Senior EGSE & Test Engineer

Viasat, Inc. • Tempe, AZ

3d

About The Position

Viasat’s Space Infrastructure Team designs, builds, and operates satellites that deliver global connectivity in demanding environments. This Senior AI&T (Assembly Integration and Test) Engineer leads Unit and Payload Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) for a spaceflight program. The role owns end-to-end EGSE strategy for space-based communications payloads, translates verification requirements into scalable, flight-ready checkout systems, and serves as the technical authority for payload EGSE infrastructure. The engineer works with the product design team to interpret module requirements and develop test plans, equipment, and automated procedures, while leading a team implementing test equipment for a satellite program.

The role defines and maintains EGSE architecture for RF, digital, telemetry, timing, and power; derives requirements from payload specifications and functionality; and creates verification plans. It leads development of hardware, software, harnessing, interface electronics, and automation, and establishes checkout flows from unit through subsystem to payload. Responsibilities also include selecting and integrating commercial off-the-shelf or custom instrumentation, reviewing and approving readiness and certification procedures, supporting environmental testing and launch operations, leading anomaly investigations, and maintaining configuration control and documentation.

Requirements

• Typically, 5+ years of experience in STE design supporting space-qualified hardware.
• Demonstrated experience architecting or leading complex test systems for payloads or satellites.
• Strong understanding of communications payloads and satellite subsystems.
• Hands-on experience with payload or satellite EGSE through integration.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and lead technical discussions under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ownership of complex systems from concept through execution.
• Experience supporting environmental tests and launch campaigns.
• Experience building and implementing systems to test satellites and RF payloads.
• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++, or similar languages for automation.
• Familiarity with vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and noise figure measurement systems.
• Working knowledge of telemetry architecture and high-speed digital interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end EGSE strategy for space-based communications payloads.
• Translate unit and payload verification requirements into scalable, flight-ready checkout systems.
• Lead EGSE architecture and implementation across development, qualification, and flight builds.
• Serve as the technical authority for payload EGSE infrastructure.
• Work with the product design team to interpret module requirements and turn them into test plans, test equipment, and automated test procedures.
• Lead a team implementing all test equipment for a satellite program.
• Define and maintain EGSE architecture for RF, digital, telemetry, timing, and power.
• Derive EGSE requirements from payload specifications and functionality, and create verification plans.
• Lead development of hardware, software, harnessing, interface electronics, and automation.
• Establish checkout flows from unit through subsystem to payload.
• Select and integrate COTS or custom instrumentation.
• Review and approve readiness and certification procedures.
• Support environmental testing and launch operations.
• Lead anomaly investigations.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation.

Benefits

• Medical, financial, and/or other benefits focused on holistic health and wellness.
• Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior