Senior RF Engineer - Transceiver Module

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 181,000 - 337,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Senior RF Engineer to guide architectural design, development, and validation of Ka-band transceiver modules. You will apply deep technical expertise to evaluate topologies and implement wideband designs for high-yield RF hardware.

The role requires strong proficiency in RF XCVR architectures, clocking, system-level analysis, and RF simulation tools. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and supplier interfaces is essential.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of practical RF circuit and module development experience up through Ka-band.
• Proficiency with RF XCVR architectures and direct RF synthesis topologies.
• Experience with high-speed RF design, schematic development, and PWB layout.

Responsibilities

• Architect wideband transmitter and receiver topologies up through Ka-band.
• Analyze converters, clocks, phase noise, and jitter for RF performance.
• Translate architectures into schematics; define high-frequency layout constraints.
• Collaborate with Hardware, Mechanical, and test teams for integration and validation.

Skills

RF design expertise

Schematic development

High-frequency PWB layout

RF simulation tools

MMICs / transceivers

Clocking architectures

System-level analysis

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Keysight ADS

HFSS

Microwave Office

MATLAB

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

At Viasat, we are developing advanced communications hardware to solve complex RF challenges. We are seeking a Senior RF Engineer to guide the architectural design, development, and validation of high-performance RF Transceiver (XCVR) modules operating up through Ka-band. In this role, you will apply deep technical expertise to evaluate, select, and implement wideband transceiver topologies while collaborating across engineering teams to deliver high-yield RF hardware on mixed-signal PWAs.

The day-to-day

• Architecture & Signal Path Design: Architect wideband transmitter and receiver topologies (superheterodyne, direct conversion, and direct RF synthesis/sampling) and frequency conversion assemblies operating up through Ka-band.
• Converter & Clocking Analysis: Select high-speed DACs and ADCs based on dynamic range, bandwidth, SFDR, and power constraints. Evaluate system clock trees, phase noise, and aperture jitter to quantify direct impacts on converter performance.
• Circuitry, Layout & Manufacturing: Perform detailed RF circuit design and cascade analysis (gain, noise figure, IP3, phase noise, spurs). Translate transceiver architectures into schematics, define critical high-frequency layout constraints, and interface directly with fabrication and assembly partners.
• Cross-Disciplinary Execution & Test: Partner with Hardware Engineering on PWA implementation and power regulation for noise-sensitive RF/analog paths, and with Mechanical Engineering on shielding cavities, thermal management, and packaging. Conduct laboratory integration, tuning, and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.

What you'll need

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of practical RF circuit and module development experience up through Ka-band/millimeter-wave frequencies.
• Technical proficiency in RF XCVR architectures, direct RF synthesis topologies, clocking architectures, frequency plans, and primary reference oscillator selection.
• Expertise in analyzing phase noise, aperture jitter, and clock purity to assess effects on converter performance.
• Expertise with schematic development, high-frequency PWB layout routing, stack-up definition, and supplier technical management.
• Proficiency with RF simulation software (Keysight ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office, MATLAB) and millimeter-wave test equipment calibration and debug.
• Technical understanding of high-speed digital board design concepts and mixed-signal interface principles.
• Willingness to use AI tools as interactive partners for technical analysis, scripting, and workflow optimization.
• US Citizenship Required
• Ability to Obtain and Maintain Secret Clearance.

What will help you on the job

• Experience with phased array architectures, corporate feed/distribution networks, or supporting phased array testbeds.
• Ability to provide high-level guidance on high-speed digital trace routing (JESD204B/C), clock distribution, and power supply noise rejection (PSRR).
• Familiarity with environmental qualification (thermal shock, vibration) and EMI/EMC

Salary range

$180,500.00 - $285,000.00 / annually.
For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $224,500.00- $336,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.