RF Design Engineer

Viasat, Inc.•Tempe, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.