Senior Systems Engineer, Contested Operations

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 Senior Systems Engineer on the ACT team, you'll turn early ideas into working prototypes - spanning satellite communications, PNT, and related systems - to test technical and operational hypotheses. You'll own the front-end analysis - trade studies, feasibility assessments, and system architecture - that shapes what we build, and you'll produce the clear artifacts that let a concept move forward for execution  the team's senior systems engineer, you'll be the technical anchor for the system model - driving how it's structured and built, guiding the engineers doing the hands-on build, and keeping architecture, interfaces, and analysis coherent as prototypes evolve.

This is a fast-paced, integrative role focused on prototyping, not production hardening.

The day-to-day

• Run trade studies and feasibility analysis to compare concepts and recommend an approach.
• Develop system and subsystem concepts and architectures, and define interfaces (ICDs) across RF, digital, software, and timing - including for components sourced from different groups, aligned to representative open-architecture interfaces.
• Model and analyze system performance in MATLAB and/or Python (for example, link budgets, RF cascades, and error budgets).
• Perform quantitative modeling and analysis of signal, propagation, and geometry effects to support PNT, signals-of-opportunity, and communications concepts.
• Produce clean specifications, models, and hand-off artifacts so prototypes can transition for build-out at scale.
• Work closely across signal processing, embedded, FPGA, software, and integration & test to keep the integrated system coherent and performing - supporting prototype bring-up and testing, and keeping the system model current as the design evolves.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of systems engineering or related experience.
• Systems engineering fundamentals: requirements development, trade studies, interface definition, and analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Working knowledge of RF, SATCOM/communications, or PNT domains.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including clear diagrams and documentation.
• Self-motivated and comfortable driving from concept to prototype implementation - working independently within your area while collaborating across disciplines.
• US citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• This is an onsite role based in Duluth, GA, with up to 10% travel.

What will help you on the job

• Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and tools such as Cameo or Jama.
• Familiarity with open-architecture standards / modular open systems (for example, a Government Reference Architecture) for defining interfaces across components and vendors.
• Ability to work with satellite ephemeris and orbital geometry to derive Doppler/geometry predictions.
• Familiarity with SATCOM terminals or satellite communications networks, and how positioning, navigation, and timing services ride on them.
• Familiarity with digital phased arrays, beamforming, or timing distribution and synchronization.
• Exposure to electronic warfare, contested operations, or resilient PNT concepts.
• Familiarity with precision timing (time transfer, synchronization) given the team's timing work.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• An active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance.

Salary range

$ - $ / 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 $- $/ 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,…