Senior Mechanical Engineer, MGSE

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.

Via Sat is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer, MGSE to join our growing space infrastructure team. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, fabrication, analysis, and implementation of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) used to support the integration, testing, transport, and launch of next-generation satellite platforms and non-flight hardware. You will serve as a key technical contributor across the full product lifecycle, solving complex technical problems with minimal guidance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management.

The ideal candidate combines solid technical expertise in MGSE design and structural analysis with the ability to lead technical directions, support complex engineering projects, and collaborate effectively across teams.

In this role, you will apply advanced engineering principles to develop reliable, safe, manufacturable, and cost-effective MGSE solutions (including lift slings, turnover carts, transportation fixtures, zero-g deployment fixtures, pneumatics, and handling equipment).

You will:

• Lead and support the mechanical design, modeling, and drafting of MGSE hardware using 3D CAD software.
• Evaluate trade studies, conceptual designs, and requirements definitions to balance performance, schedule, cost, and safety risks.
• Perform structural analysis using both fundamental hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate equipment safety and design integrity.
• Support and coordinate MGSE fabrication, proof load testing, acceptance testing, and vendor inspections.
• Support end-users during integration and test operations, including process flow development and on-site anomaly resolution.
• Develop engineering requirements, specifications, drawings, procedures, and qualification plans for ground equipment.
• Participate in Design Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and present technical data to program leadership.
• Collaborate closely with systems, thermal, electrical, manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless hardware integration.
• Serve as a key technical contributor in mechanical ground support engineering.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including demonstrated experience developing spaceflight hardware or Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).
• Strong background in designing non-flight integration and test hardware (such as lifting fixtures, handling systems, or transport equipment).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling tools (such as Creo, Solid Works, NX, or CATIA) and drafting standards.
• Experience with structural analysis tools and techniques, including hand calculations and FEA software (such as ANSYS, Nastran, or Simcenter).
• Experience with fabrication support, proof load testing, and acceptance testing of mechanical structures.
• Proven capability to independently solve complex technical problems and guide smaller project initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical data clearly.
• Experience working effectively within cross-functional product development environments.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Direct experience in MGSE design, proof load testing, and launch site integration operations.
• Familiarity with dynamic analysis, thermal vacuum, and environmental testing environments.
• Knowledge of launch vehicle interfaces, spacecraft integration processes, and safety standards for lifting and handling equipment.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, safety margins, and aerospace hardware production.
• Experience using Teamcenter, Windchill, or other PLM systems.
• Experience managing suppliers and contract manufacturers for ground support equipment.
• Knowledge of spaceflight standards, workmanship requirements, and root cause…