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About the job

About us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What you'll do

We are seeking a highly motivated RF Design Engineer to support the design, analysis, integration, and test of microwave and millimeter-wave RF hardware used in advanced satellite communication payloads. The successful candidate will contribute to RF module, unit, and subsystem development from concept through qualification and production while working closely with systems, MMIC, digital, mechanical, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.

This is a site‑based role, employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five‑day workweek.

The day-to-day

Support microwave and millimeter-wave RF design activities for satellite payload transceiver, frequency conversion, and signal distribution hardware.

Perform RF analysis including gain, noise figure, linearity, compression, phase noise, spur, and link budget evaluations.

Assist with architecture trade studies, gain lineups, frequency plans, and component selection.

Develop schematics and guide RF PCB layout using controlled impedance, grounding, isolation, and thermal management best practices.

Perform laboratory characterization using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes.

Support RF integration, troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and environmental qualification testing.

Work with EM simulation and RF modeling tools to predict and optimize performance.

Document designs, test results, risks, and recommendations and present findings at technical reviews.

What you'll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

0-3 years of experience in RF, microwave, communications, aerospace, defense, or related hardware development.

Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including S-parameters, impedance matching, transmission lines, gain, noise figure, and linearity.

Knowledge of microwave components such as amplifiers, mixers, filters, couplers, oscillators, synthesizers, switches, and attenuators.

Experience with RF test equipment and measurement techniques.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

RF/Microwave Circuit Analysis

Millimeter-Wave Design Fundamentals

RF Test and Measurement

EM Simulation

RF PCB Design and Layout Guidance

Data Analysis and Test Automation

What will help you on the job

Experience with satellite communications, aerospace systems, phased arrays, radar, or wireless communication products.

Experience with Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office, HFSS, CST, or similar RF design and EM simulation tools.

Familiarity with millimeter-wave design techniques above 20 GHz.

Experience with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation and data analysis.

Understanding of reliability, manufacturability, and spaceflight hardware development processes.

Knowledge of digital communications concepts including modulation, EVM, and adjacent-channel performance.

Collaborative team player

Strong technical curiosity and learning agility

Effective written and verbal communication

Attention to detail and ownership mindset

Salary range

$95,000.00 - $149,500.00 / 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 $117,500.00- $176,500.00/ 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 at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits. 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 .