Communications Systems Staff Engineer

Viasat, Inc.•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

We are looking for a Communications Systems Staff Engineer to join our Engineering team! As a Communications Systems Staff Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing next generation satellite systems for GEO and NGSO satellite constellations and ground systems. This position entails actively contributing to the development of systems including end-to-end architecture, analysis, simulation, and verification of both standards-based and customized communication systems. You will be a part of a group responsible for the performance of our current and future systems. The position centers on end-to-end system design.

Requirements

Deep expertise in communications systems, coding theory, estimation theory, control theory, signal processing, and modern system architectures.
Proven ability to design, develop, integrate, and test complex communications systems.
Experience leading technical efforts across disciplines, including system analysis and engineering trade-off decisions.
Strong systems-thinking skills with the ability to balance performance, reliability, cost, and operational requirements.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical recommendations and review findings.
Ability to work independently from broad objectives while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated technical leadership, influencing decisions through analysis, innovation, and sound engineering judgment.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; advanced degree preferred.
Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

Nice To Haves

Expertise with MATLAB or python data analysis and simulation frameworks
Knowledge of analog and RF hardware designs, higher layer protocols, and AI/ML (artificial intelligence/machine learning)
Experience with Jama and Jira
Experience with Claude code

Responsibilities

Work within a focused team to propose, develop, simulate, analyze, and test various systems and subsystems used for wireless satellite communications systems.
Support and react to industry standardization activities such as 3GPP as needed.
Create and maintain RF or optical link budgets and estimate overall link and system capacity.
Develop and analyze specification and requirements.
Work autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where quick turnarounds are essential to team success.
Documentation responsibilities encompass managing requirements using Jama, fulfilling tasks documented in Jira, and preparing and reviewing design documents.
Participate in peer reviews of software, hardware, and architecture.