Senior RF Payload Systems Engineer - Space

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, AZ, is seeking an experienced RF/Systems Engineer to drive end-to-end hardware development for space programs. You will work with customers to translate requirements into robust architectures, designs, and verification plans, spanning concept to deployment.

The role requires a strong background in RF hardware, circuit-level design, and payload integration, with leadership experience guiding cross-functional teams across disciplines including engineering and program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years' experience as an RF/Systems Engineer, including hands-on design, troubleshooting, integration, and test of RF hardware at the PWA, module, unit, and system level
• Demonstrated experience taking RF hardware from design through fabrication, assembly, integration, and verification (bring-up, debug, ATP/qualification testing)
• Experience with RF payload integration and test campaigns (unit-level through spacecraft/system-level I&T)
• Bench-level RF test experience using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and noise figure/power meters to isolate and resolve hardware issues
• Working knowledge of RF circuit-level design and construction (amplifiers, filters, mixers, switches, interconnects) sufficient to understand how module/unit-level hardware choices drive system performance, cost, and schedule trades
• Experience diagnosing and root-causing RF hardware failures (e.g., via failure analysis, root cause corrective action processes)
• Familiarity with space-qualified RF hardware build standards
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including Business Development, Systems, Software, RF circuit design, FPGA/digital design, mechanical, and manufacturing/production
• Experience in payload and electronics design for space applications, including reliability, parts/materials/processes (EEE parts), and EMI/EMC requirements for space-based systems
• Strong analytic/mathematics background with experience in system modeling, simulation, and analysis, including power and communication link budgets
• Strong understanding of systems engineering analysis: requirements definition and flow-down, interface definitions, system test design and execution, and risk identification, tracking, and burn-down
• Proficiency using RF and systems design engineering tools including MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, and Genesys
• Ability to serve as the technical RF interface to customers, translating RF hardware capability, constraints, and test results into system-level solutions and trade discussions
• Experience working directly with Government customers to develop system-level requirements and solutions
• Strong technical leadership, including mentoring engineers on hardware integration and test practices

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative RF hardware and systems for space applications.
• Collaborate with customers to translate requirements into architecture and design.
• Lead hardware integration, test, and verification from concept through qualification.
• Interface with Government customers and internal teams to pursue key opportunities.

Skills

RF hardware design

Systems engineering

Test & measurement

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer engagement

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB

ADS

HFSS

Genesys

Job description

Viasat in Tempe, AZ, is seeking an experienced RF/Systems Engineer to drive end-to-end hardware development for space programs. You will work with customers to translate requirements into robust architectures, designs, and verification plans, spanning concept to deployment.

The role requires a strong background in RF hardware, circuit-level design, and payload integration, with leadership experience guiding cross-functional teams across disciplines including engineering and program management.