Space Systems Engineer

Job Title

Space Communications Program Technical Contributor

Job Description

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.

You will serve as key technical contributor for a space communications program delivering resilient, secure, anti-jam wideband capabilities for U.S. and allied tactical users. In this internal- and external-facing role, you will manage end-to-end systems engineering activities spanning space, ground, and network segments, while coordinating work across a multi-disciplinary systems engineering team.

You will be exposed to architecture development, technical integration, and system execution across multiple subcontractors, ensuring mission objectives are translated into robust, verifiable system solutions

The Day-to-Day

• Contribute to and drive the definition of end-to-end space system architectures in collaboration with program leadership.
• Manage and control technical interfaces between space, ground, and network segments.
• Maintain and analyze system-level technical budgets including RF link performance, SWaP-C, delta-v, and data—collaborating with suppliers to meet required metrics.
• Drive system trade studies and integration strategies for new and custom capabilities.
• Author, decompose, and control system-level requirements, specifications, and interface definitions across internal teams and external suppliers.
• Ensure verification and validation strategies are defined, executed, and sold off.
• Coordinate systems engineering tasking across the program team, fostering collaboration and alignment without direct authority.
• Serve as a key technical interface to customers and stakeholders, supporting technical delivery and milestone reviews.
• Support the technical preparation and presentation for major program lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Identify, manage, and communicate technical risks, assumptions, and margin posture with the Program team.
• Mentor junior systems engineering staff and contribute to the continuous improvement of internal SE processes.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 8-12 years of systems engineering experience on space programs.
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Demonstrated experience integrating space, ground, and network system elements.
• Strong background in requirements development, system architecture, and lifecycle execution.
• Excellent technical communication and customer-facing skills.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Ability to travel up to 25% based on location.
• #LI-SA1 This role can be performed on a hybrid basis at one of our office locations or remotely in the US.

What Will Help You On The Job

• End-to-end program lifecycle experience
• Deep experience with space communications systems and subcontractor management
• Familiarity with Jama or database-based requirements management tools
• Experience delivering mission-critical, high-reliability systems for Government customers

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 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.

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.