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Satellite Communications, Telecommunications, Defense, Aerospace

Senior Systems Engineer - Space, Viasat Government

San Jose, CAOnsiteFull TimeSenior$120,500–$190,000 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

  • Aerospace
  • Systems Engineering
  • Space
  • Viasat Government
  • mission architecture
  • spacecraft systems engineering
  • payload integration
  • mission operations
  • CONOPS development
  • requirements development

Nice to have

  • LEO
  • MEO
  • GEO
  • distributed satellite architectures
  • AI&T
  • launch campaigns

Role summary

Viasat Government is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Space systems. This role involves supporting the development, integration, verification, and operation of complex space systems. Responsibilities include contributing to mission architecture, spacecraft systems engineering, payload integration, mission operations, CONOPS development, and verification activities. The ideal candidate will have 5-10+ years of aerospace experience, proficiency in requirements engineering, systems integration, interface management, verification, and MBSE/SysML. Familiarity with various engineering tools and satellite systems is also required. This is an onsite position based in San Jose, CA.

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 Systems Engineer, Space, you will support the development, integration, verification, and operation of complex space systems that deliver critical mission capabilities. You will contribute across mission architecture, spacecraft systems engineering, payload integration, mission operations, CONOPS development, and verification activities.


The day-to-day

  • Support development of mission architectures, concepts, and system-level trade studies.
  • Develop, allocate, and maintain mission, spacecraft, subsystem, and interface requirements.
  • Contribute to mission planning, operational concepts, and spacecraft CONOPS development.
  • Support MBSE model development using SysML-based tools.
  • Support spacecraft architecture development and payload-to-bus integration activities.
  • Coordinate interface management across spacecraft, payload, software, and ground systems.
  • Contribute to verification and validation planning and mission readiness assessments.
  • Support AI&T, I&T, environmental testing, and system-level verification activities.
  • Participate in HIL, SIL, mission simulation, LEOP, IOT, and anomaly resolution activities.
  • Support supplier and subcontractor technical interactions and design reviews.
  • Identify technical issues and risks and help develop solutions.
  • Participate in SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR, and FRR reviews.
  • Mentor junior engineers and support process improvements.

What you'll need

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 5-10+ years of aerospace, spacecraft systems, mission engineering, or associated experience.
  • Experience with requirements development, systems integration, interface management, or verification.
  • Familiarity with ADCS, EPS, propulsion, thermal, communications, payloads, and flight software.
  • Experience with MBSE, SysML, or equivalent modeling methodologies.
  • Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, Ansys, or similar engineering tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

What will help you on the job

  • Master's degree in a related discipline.
  • Experience with LEO, MEO, GEO, or distributed satellite architectures.
  • Experience supporting AI&T, launch campaigns, LEOP, or IOT.
  • Familiarity with Jama, DOORS, Cameo, MagicDraw, or SysML.
  • Experience with suppliers or distributed engineering teams.
  • Background in SATCOM, RF systems, networking, sensing systems, or government space programs.

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ 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.

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