Senior Systems Engineer – Communication & Sensing Systems

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 181,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in California is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead system-level design and analysis for advanced communication and sensing systems. You will translate mission objectives into technical solutions and collaborate across firmware, software, and hardware teams.

The role requires a Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical or Computer Engineering, 10+ years of algorithmic system design experience, proficiency in C++, C, MATLAB, Python, and active US Secret or Top Secret clearance with up to 25%

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering focusing on control, signal processing, or digital communications.
• 10+ years of algorithmic system design and deployment experience.
• Strong programming skills (C++, C, MATLAB, Python) for development and simulation.
• Expertise in RF systems and waveform design.
• Ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level design and analysis for advanced communication and sensing systems.
• Develop and validate algorithms for signal processing, control theory, and optimization.
• Drive waveform design and adaptation for emerging technologies.
• Collaborate across systems engineering, firmware, software, and integration & test to deliver solutions.
• Translate mission objectives into technical requirements and ensure traceability.

Skills

System-level design

Algorithm development

C++ programming

RF waveform design

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

FPGAs

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.

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

Join a small, fast-paced team within Viasat’s Government Space and Emerging Technologies group as a Senior Systems Engineer. In this role, you will:

• Lead system-level design and analysis for advanced communication and sensing systems, ensuring robust performance across diverse mission scenarios.
• Develop and validate algorithms for signal processing, control theory, and system optimization, supporting both communication and sensing applications.
• Drive waveform design and adaptation, enabling innovative solutions for emerging technologies and mission-critical requirements.
• Collaborate across disciplines—including systems engineering (requirements), firmware, software, and integration & test—to deliver fully integrated solutions from concept through deployment.

The day-to-day

You’ll be at the center of algorithmic development and system integration for complex systems.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Translating mission objectives into technical solutions, ensuring alignment with system requirements and performance goals.
• Implementing algorithms in firmware and software, bridging theoretical models with practical deployment.
• Participating in system bring-up and integration, troubleshooting and optimizing performance during hardware/software integration phases.
• Partnering with analysis and requirements teams to maintain consistency and traceability throughout the development lifecycle.

What You’ll Need

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical or Computer Engineering, with emphasis on Control Theory, Signal Processing, and/or Digital Communications.
• 10+ years of experience in algorithmic system design, modeling, and deployment for complex systems.
• Proficiency in programming (C++, C, MATLAB, Python) for algorithm development and simulation.
• Deep expertise in RF systems and waveform design, including trade studies and performance analysis.
• Strong communication skills, capable of delivering technical briefings and collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to perform system-level analysis, translating high-level requirements into actionable technical designs.
• Organizational and leadership skills, managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Active US Secret or Top Secret clearance, and willingness to travel up to 25%.

What Will Help You On The Job

• Hands-on experience with digital hardware platforms (processors, memory, FPGAs, CPLDs, microcontrollers, networking interfaces).
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including requirements flow-down, verification, and validation.
• Experience collaborating with geographically distributed teams, driving integration across hardware, software, and algorithmic domains.
• Background in modeling and simulation tools, supporting trade studies and performance optimization for complex system architectures.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI or SAP.

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. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.