Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload STE Engineer

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 120,500 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Cash or stock incentives

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, Arizona, is seeking a Systems Engineer to design and develop Payload Support/Test Equipment (STE) for satellite communications. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and 5–8 years of relevant experience, specializing in systems engineering or RF/test engineering.

Responsibilities include integrating STE, developing test procedures, and ensuring system readiness for integration with satellite buses. A strong focus on problem-solving and teamwork is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in systems engineering or test engineering.
• Experience with hardware test systems or integration environments.
• Strong understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop customized STE solutions for payloads.
• Support integration of STE with payload systems.
• Execute test plans and validate functionality.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

LabView

Python

MATLAB

InControl

COSMOS

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 be a key contributor within the AI&T team responsible for the design, integration, and delivery of Payload Support/Test Equipment (STE) for satellite communications payloads. You will develop customized STE solutions that align with satellite bus specifications and support payload validation from integration through delivery.

This role supports the development of STE hardware, software, and interfaces to ensure payload compatibility, performance, and readiness for final integration with the satellite bus provider.

The day-to-day

• Design and develop customized STE solutions aligned with payload and bus functional, performance, and interface requirements.
• Support integration of STE with payload systems to validate functionality, performance, and environmental resilience.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and verification activities.
• Assist in building test equipment including hardware, harnessing, and interface components.
• Track and perform certifications on operational payload STE; coordinate calibrations of all STE assets.
• Support development of automation and software tools for test execution and data collection.
• Participate in integration and test activities, including equipment shipping logistics, test procedure training, troubleshooting and anomaly resolution.
• Ensure compliance with technical, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Support delivery of payload and STE systems to satellite bus provider for final integration.

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5–8 years of experience in systems engineering, integration & test, or RF/test engineering.
• Experience with hardware test systems, instrumentation, or integration environments.
• Familiarity with test plans, procedures, and verification processes.
• Understanding of communications payload and satellite subsystems
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in cross-functional engineering teams.
• Must be a US Citizen
• Ability to travel up to 20%

What will help you on the job

• Experience working with satellite or aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with LabView for STE software.
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for post processing data.
• Experience with InControl, Epic, or COSMOS software for integration and testing.
• Familiarity with vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and noise figure measurement systems
• Working knowledge of telemetry architecture and high-speed digital interfaces

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00 / 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.