Systems Test Engineer (Temp)

Viasat; Duluth (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Duluth, GA seeks a Systems Test Engineer to lead the integration and testing of remote sensing antenna systems and satellite terminals. You will drive factory tests, configure RF, network, and mechanical interfaces, and present test results to customers.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, 2+ years in RF/Test, and strong documentation. US citizenship is required; on-site work at the Duluth facility with up to 10% travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field or Electronics’ Associate degree with experience.
• 2+ years of experience in system testing, integration, and commissioning of RF systems, antenna systems, or satellite terminals.
• Ability to verify performance at system level with engineers and ensure requirements are met.
• Proficiency in reading IEEE wiring diagrams, schematics, and block diagrams.
• Experience with outdoor/indoor pattern ranges and FCC licensing considerations.
• Knowledge of electrical safety standards and Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures.
• Strong networking skills using TCP/IP and interfaces (SSH, SNMP, UDP, serial).
• Proficient in using RF measurement tools (G/T, EIRP, S21, S11, VSWR).
• Excellent technical writing and ability to develop test procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in factory testing and integration of large-scale antenna systems.
• Configure RF, network, and mechanical interfaces.
• Reference IDL and BOM for test planning and execution.
• Set up and operate test equipment for antenna validation.
• Lead customer witnessed tests and represent Viasat in factory settings.
• Support network configuration tasks to bring devices online.
• Prepare reports and document corrective actions.
• Develop and refine procedures for antenna system testing and integration.
• Provide remote support to field engineers and contractors.

Skills

System testing

RF systems

Antenna systems

Networking troubleshooting

Electrical theory

Safety procedures

Technical writing

Problem solving

On-site testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microwave analyzers

Power meters

Signal generator

Digital Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

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

As a Systems Test Engineer, you will play a hands-on role in the integration, documentation, and testing of Viasat’s sophisticated Remote Sensing Antenna Systems and Satellite Communications Terminals! You’ll be a key member of a team responsible for bringing complex antenna systems to life at our facilities.

The day-to-day

• Lead or assist in Factory testing and integration of large-scale antenna systems and airborne terminals, ensuring accurate system setup, optimization, and functionality.
• Integrate and configure system components, including RF, network, and mechanical interfaces.\
• Reference an Indentured Drawing List (IDL) and corresponding Bill of Materials (BOM) to support test planning and execution.
• Set up and operate specialized test equipment for antenna system validation.
• Lead customer witnessed Factory and Production acceptance testing, where you will be the in-factory representative of Viasat—showcasing system performance and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Support network setup and configuration tasks vital to bring system devices online.
• Prepare and present technical reports summarizing integration and test results and any corrective actions identified.
• Assist in the development and refinement of procedures and documentation to complete in-house or on-site antenna system integration and testing.
• Provide remote support to Viasat integration engineers or contractors that are in the field performing antenna system commissioning

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a relatable engineering program, or an Electronics’ Associate degree supplemented by equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of experience in system testing, integration, and commissioning of RF systems, antenna systems, or satellite communication terminals
• System-Level Verification:Capability to work both independently and with System Engineers to verify performance at the system level, ensuring the integrated product meets all requirements.
• Visual Comprehension:Proficiency in reviewing and reading various IEEE standardized wiring diagrams, schematics, mechanical drawings, and block diagrams.
• Range Testing:Experience with outdoor and indoor integration and pattern ranges, including understanding FCC license coverage for these facilities.
• Electrical Theory and Safety: Understanding and alignment to industrial and site electrical safety standard and Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures, as well as knowledge in multi-phase AC power systems and DC circuitry.
• Networking Knowledge:Ability to diagnose network or connectivity issues via TCP/IP tools and communicate to devices through various communication interfaces (SSH, SNMP, UDP, serial, etc.)
• Test Equipment Familiarity: Deep technical proficiency in microwave analyzers, power meters, and signal generator, as well as skilled in using Digital Multimeters (DMM) and Oscilloscopes to diagnose DC/AC conditions.
• Technical Writing:Ability to develop clear, coordinated, and efficient test and integration procedures for complex system scenarios inadherence to specified system performance requirements.
• Problem Solving:Critical analysis and diagnostic skills to resolve multi-dimensional integration issues on-site or through remote-access.
• RF Theory: Experience with testing RF systems including G/T, EIRP, and BERT coupled with understanding of S21, S11, VSWR, system gain, and frequency conversion.
• Servo and System Control:Deep understanding of feedback mechanisms including encoders or resolvers, familiarity with high-rate, real-time servo communication protocols, and industrial system control I/O. Electromagnetic Compaitability and Compliance: Test execution and design knowledge for satisfying FCC, CISPR, MIL-STD, and other EMC regulatory requirements.
• Communication:Excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate integration and test activities with customers, site technicians, and internal teams
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to work on-site at our Duluth, GA facility
• Up to 10% travel.

What will help you on the job

• Experience with SATCOM, remote sensing, and airborne antenna terminals utilising RF electronics, including HPAs, converters, LNAs, across S, X, Ka, and Ku bands
• Familiarity with system testing, calibration, and resolving problems in RF and control subsystems.
• Knowledge of remote-control interfaces and network configurations for satellite and antenna systems.
• Proven experience implementing engineering standards, automation, or toolchain modernization (AI automation, standardization/6S efforts)
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration and communication between engineering, operations, and quality teams to support or carry out business operations.

#LI-VSAT

Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / 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 $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ 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.