Satellite Systems Engineer

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.

As a Satellite Systems Engineer, you will focus on the forefront technology for innovative satcom architectures. You understand the space environment for telecommunication systems and have hands‑on experience in designing sophisticated space payloads.

This should include but is not limited to in-depth knowledge of communication chains, transponders, power management and distribution units, on‑board processing units for digital regenerative applications and beam forming. Additional experience in hardware and software background for payload management is a plus.

We are seeking someone who thrives in an R&D framework environment. You are passionate about continuous improvement and you feel at ease in a multidisciplinary international environment. The ideal candidate will enjoy working on a variety of workflows from system definition, to requirements downflow, reviewing subsystem design/co‑design. Additionally, knowledge of manufacturing, integration, test and qualification to the critical assessment of third‑party are also a plus.

• Lead mission analysis for space system requirements and down‑flow to lower tiers.
• Lead SWaPC analysis and defining interfaces (digital, electrical, RF, optical, mechanical/thermal, etc.).
• Lead architectural trades, link budgets, and support design decisions.
• Help drive and facilitate discussions with subcontractors/partners as the need arises.
• Challenge external contractors on technical matters.
• Assist with reliability analysis and simulations.
• Support on space qualification activities including advising on bus selection and components.
• Assist program management and B&P, including interfacing with customers on programmatic and schedule matters.
• Support test procedures, and participate in the integration, test campaign, launch and in‑orbit commissioning.
• Be involved in preparing presentations and reports for the full development (design reviews, test activities, manufacturing, qualifications, progress review, etc.) at a collaborator level.

• MS/PhD in Engineering (Sat Com, Telecommunications, Electronics, Digital Systems, etc.)
• 8–10 years of proven experience in the following areas:
  • Sat Com and Payload architectures for LEO/MEO/GEO/HEO
  • Phased Array Antennas
  • HW/SW design, development, and integration for space applications
  • Digital design for space communications
  • Digital regenerative payloads
  • Inter‑satellite links and digital phased array antennas
  • Satellite architectures
  • System engineering for space applications
  • Space qualification for complex systems
  • Experience with orbital analysis tools, Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) platform, and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK).
  • Experience with operations, including satellite TT&C operations, payload operations, users, and network management facilities
• Swiss or EU (27) Citizenship or valid Swiss working permit

• Previous experience on working with ESA/NASA programs

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.

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