Senior Software Engineer

5G Devices Senior Software EngineerOne 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.The Viasat Access Edge Terminal Software team is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and support of software running on embedded satellite terminal products (Ka-band, L-band, 5G) that are used in aviation, maritime, residential, and other sectors.We are seeking a 5G Devices Senior Software Engineer to design and develop modular software platforms for user equipment (UE) and customer premises equipment (CPE). This role focuses on device-side software architecture, integrating industry-leading 5G chipsets with custom satellite and networking capabilities to create hybrid connectivity solutions for various markets including automotive, aviation, and maritime.Note - This position focuses on device/UE software architecture and is distinct from RAN (gNodeB/base station) or 5G Core network roles. Candidates should have device-side, client-side, or CPE development experience rather than network infrastructure expertise.The Day-to-DayModular Software Architecture & DesignDesign and implement modular software architectures with reusable building blocks, for devices that operate on NTN with Viasat's satellitesDevelop software abstraction layers (HAL) and middleware that decouple application logic from modem hardware implementationsCreate flexible, configurable software frameworks that support multiple device variants (many devices could have capabilities in addition to 5G, based on the target market), form factors, and deployment scenariosDefine clear interfaces and APIs between software modules to enable independent development, testing, and evolution of componentsBalance architectural flexibility with performance requirements in resource-constrained embedded environments5G Chipset Integration & Device Driver DevelopmentIntegrate 5G modem solutions from industry-leading vendors (Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel) into device platforms and develop reference designsDevelop and maintain device drivers within the Linux kernel that support modem interfaces used in 5G technology (PCIe, USB, SDIO, UART)Implement low-level software to control modem initialization, configuration, power management, and runtime behaviorWork with vendor Board Support Packages (BSP) and customize them for Viasat's specific hardware and use case requirementsResolve challenging hardware-software integration faultsOptimize performance for latency, throughput, power consumption, and system stabilityReference Design DevelopmentDesign and maintain reference software architectures that serve as templates for partner-developed devicesCreate comprehensive SDK packages including libraries, sample code, documentation, and build tools for OEM/ODM partnersDevelop "golden reference" implementations demonstrating guidelines for building 5G NTN enabled devices compatible with Viasat's networkProvide technical guidance and support to external device manufacturers using reference designsEnsure reference architectures are well-documented, maintainable, and follow industry standards (3GPP, GSMA)Balance reference design completeness with flexibility to accommodate diverse partner and market requirementsSystem Integration & ValidationCollaborate with hardware engineering teams to define device architecture and hardware-software interfacesDevelop test frameworks and validation suites for 5G device software componentsConduct performance analysis, profiling, and optimization of end-to-end device software stackSupport field trials and customer deployments, solving issues and implementing fixesMulti-Functional LeadershipPartner with chipset vendor Field Application Engineers (FAEs) to leverage vendor expertise and resolve technical issuesCollaborate with product management to translate business requirements into technical architecturesWork with application teams to ensure software building blocks meet upper-layer software needsMentor software engineers on 5G device technologies, driver development, and embedded systems best practicesContribute to technical roadmaps and technology evaluation for future 5G device platformsWhat You'll NeedBachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field8+ years of experience in embedded software development for wireless communication devices5+ years of hands-on experience with 5G/LTE modem integration or device-side cellular protocol implementationsProven track record of architecting and delivering commercial 5G UE or CPE productsDeep understanding of 5G NR device architecture, including RF, baseband, and application processor subsystemsHands-on experience integrating 5G modem chipsets from vendors like Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel, or SamsungKnowledge of 3GPP UE protocol stacks (NAS, SDAP, RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY layers from device perspective)Familiarity with 5G NR physical layer procedures, MIMO techniques, carrier aggregationUnderstanding of regulatory requirements (FCC, CE, carrier certifications) for 5G devicesExpert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and system-level programmingStrong experience with Linux kernel development, including device driver implementation and kernel module debuggingSolid understanding of hardware interfaces: PCIe, USB, SDIO, SPI, I2C, GPIOExperience with Android BSP development or embedded Linux distributions (Yocto, Buildroot)Proven expertise in writing Linux kernel device drivers (character devices, network drivers, platform drivers)Experience with kernel synchronization primitives, memory management, DMA, and interrupt handlingAbility to debug kernel-level issues using tools like ftrace, perf, crash dumps, and JTAG debuggersKnowledge of device tree, ACPI, and platform-specific hardware initializationDemonstrated ability to design modular, maintainable software architectures for complex embedded systemsExperience creating SDKs, reference designs, or platform software used by external partnersStrong documentation skills for technical specifications, architecture documents, and API referencesUnderstanding of software design patterns, abstraction techniques, and interface design principlesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to debug complex hardware-software interactionsExcellent communication skills to collaborate with chipset vendors, partners, and internal stakeholdersExperience with Agile/Scrum development methodologiesAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environmentUS Citizenship or permanent residence requiredWhat Will Help You On The JobExperience with satellite-terrestrial convergence or hybrid connectivity systemsExpertise in optimizing software for resource-constrained hardwareExperience with 5G IoT devices (NB-IoT, LTE-M) or industrial 5G applicationsBackground in wireless protocol testing and certification processesContributions to open-source projects related to wireless communications or embedded LinuxKnowledge of secure boot, trusted execution environments (TEE), and embedded security practicesSalary Range$165,000.00 - $260,500.00 / 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 $205,000.00- $307,000.00/ 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,