Staff Space Materials & Process Engineer

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Staff Materials & Process Engineer to lead research, analysis, design and qualification of advanced materials for next-generation satellite platforms. You will drive material specifications, processing guidelines, and supplier collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

You will mentor engineers, manage DOE programs, and influence technical direction while solving complex aerospace challenges. Strong collaboration and US citizenship are required.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science, Chemical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in materials and process engineering for spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading materials development for spacecraft, satellites, or aerospace systems.
• Strong knowledge of high-performance composite materials and surface treatments.
• Hands-on composite manufacturing and cure optimization experience.
• Familiarity with material characterization methods (FTIR, DSC, DMA).
• Experience defining and troubleshooting manufacturing processes; mentoring engineers.
• Ability to solve complex problems with limited direction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; cross-functional collaboration.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials and process engineering for satellite structures and deployable assemblies.
• Develop specifications, processing guidelines, and assembly procedures for composite and metallic materials.
• Define problems, perform trade studies, and balance performance, schedule, and cost.
• Own material properties, test programs, and engineering process specs from concept to on-orbit support.
• Conduct material failure analysis, life predictions, and DOE to improve quality and efficiency.
• Review and approve engineering docs and flow-down requirements.
• Lead qualifications, hardware integration, shop floor support, and corrective actions.
• Drive design reviews and provide material/processing recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.

Skills

Materials science

Spacecraft materials

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical mentorship

Communication skills

Independent problem solving

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's in Materials/Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Viasat is seeking a Staff Materials & Process Engineer to lead research, analysis, design and qualification of advanced materials for next-generation satellite platforms. You will drive material specifications, processing guidelines, and supplier collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

You will mentor engineers, manage DOE programs, and influence technical direction while solving complex aerospace challenges. Strong collaboration and US citizenship are required.