Senior RF Engineer - Transceiver Module

Viasat, Inc.•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

At Viasat, we are developing advanced communications hardware to solve complex RF challenges. We are seeking a Senior RF Engineer to guide the architectural design, development, and validation of high-performance RF Transceiver (XCVR) modules operating up through Ka-band. In this role, you will apply deep technical expertise to evaluate, select, and implement wideband transceiver topologies while collaborating across engineering teams to deliver high-yield RF hardware on mixed-signal PWAs.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of practical RF circuit and module development experience up through Ka-band/millimeter-wave frequencies.
Technical proficiency in RF XCVR architectures, direct RF synthesis topologies, clocking architectures, frequency plans, and primary reference oscillator selection.
Expertise in analyzing phase noise, aperture jitter, and clock purity to assess effects on converter performance.
Expertise with schematic development, high-frequency PWB layout routing, stack-up definition, and supplier technical management.
Proficiency with RF simulation software (Keysight ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office, MATLAB) and millimeter-wave test equipment calibration and debug.
Technical understanding of high-speed digital board design concepts and mixed-signal interface principles.
Willingness to use AI tools as interactive partners for technical analysis, scripting, and workflow optimization.
US Citizenship Required
Ability to Obtain and Maintain Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with phased array architectures, corporate feed/distribution networks, or supporting phased array testbeds.
Ability to provide high-level guidance on high-speed digital trace routing (JESD204B/C), clock distribution, and power supply noise rejection (PSRR).
Familiarity with environmental qualification (thermal shock, vibration) and EMI/EMC

Responsibilities

Architecture & Signal Path Design: Architect wideband transmitter and receiver topologies (superheterodyne, direct conversion, and direct RF synthesis/sampling) and frequency conversion assemblies operating up through Ka-band.
Converter & Clocking Analysis: Select high-speed DACs and ADCs based on dynamic range, bandwidth, SFDR, and power constraints. Evaluate system clock trees, phase noise, and aperture jitter to quantify direct impacts on converter performance.
Circuitry, Layout & Manufacturing: Perform detailed RF circuit design and cascade analysis (gain, noise figure, IP3, phase noise, spurs). Translate transceiver architectures into schematics, define critical high-frequency layout constraints, and interface directly with fabrication and assembly partners.
Cross-Disciplinary Execution & Test: Partner with Hardware Engineering on PWA implementation and power regulation for noise-sensitive RF/analog paths, and with Mechanical Engineering on shielding cavities, thermal management, and packaging. Conduct laboratory integration, tuning, and characterization using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.