Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload Lead

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 141,500 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Technical Lead for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) of satellite communications payloads. You will drive the development of Payload Support/Test Equipment and ensure payload readiness for system-level integration and launch.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, alongside 8+ years of relevant experience and strong leadership skills. This role offers an annual salary range of $141,500 to $224,000.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in systems, integration & test, or payload test engineering.
• Experience leading complex test system or payload integration efforts.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payload AI&T strategy, including STE, GSE, and GSW development.
• Define architecture and design of payload testbeds including hardware.
• Manage schedules, milestones, and cross-functional coordination to ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Leadership in systems integration

Communication skills

Technical execution

Understanding of spacecraft payloads

RF test equipment expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal generators

Python

MATLAB

InControl software

COSMOS software

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

You will serve as the technical lead for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) of a satellite communications payload, driving the development and delivery of Payload Support/Test Equipment (STE) and associated ground systems. This role spans design, integration, and delivery of payload STEs to the satellite bus provider, ensuring payload readiness for system‑level integration and launch.

You will lead the architecture, design for manufacturing (DFM), and implementation of test infrastructure, including ground support equipment (GSE), ground software (GSW), and payload testbeds. This includes development of emulators and user interfaces to support efficient payload verification and operations.

The day‑to‑day

• Lead end‑to‑end payload AI&T strategy, including STE, GSE, and GSW development and delivery.
• Define architecture and design of payload testbeds, including hardware, harnessing, and interface electronics.
• Drive design for Payload manufacturing, build plans, test plans, procedures, and build travelers from start of payload integration through launch.
• Lead the design, creation, and implementation of all payload test procedures and their scripted automations.
• Oversee emulator development and associated software interfaces for test and operations.
• Support integration and test activities through I&T, including anomaly resolution and system validation.
• Coordinate delivery of payload flight hardware, test hardware, documentation, and training to the satellite bus provider.
• Manage schedules, milestones, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Ensure proper documentation, configuration control, and compliance with established processes.
• Drive risk identification, mitigation, and communication across stakeholders.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in systems, integration & test, or payload test engineering.
• Experience leading complex test system or payload integration efforts.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft payloads, interfaces, and system integration.
• Experience developing test plans, procedures, and build documentation.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage technical execution.
• Strong communication skills and customer/stakeholder interface experience.
• Strong experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Ability to travel up to 20%

What will help you on the job

• Experience with supporting GSE/GSW development and delivery for space systems.
• Experience designing scalable testbeds and STE architectures.
• Background in emulator development and test automation frameworks.
• Experience supporting environmental qualification testing of spaceflight RF hardware.
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for post data processing.
• Experience with InControl or COSMOS software for payload level testing.
• Experience supporting satellite bus integration and launch campaigns.
• Familiarity with system‑level integration, verification, and validation processes.
• Experience in schedule management, risk management, and program execution.

Salary range

$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / 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 $176,000.00 - $264,000.00 / annually.

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 online application, please click here.