Senior Systems Architect, UE Terminal NTN Platform

Viasat, Inc. • Carlsbad, CA

18d • Onsite

About The Position

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for an onsite Senior Systems Architect, UE Terminal NTN Platform to join our dynamic team in Carlsbad, CA! User Equipment (UE) Architecture & Roadmap: Represent the UE Terminal group in the end-to-end system infrastructure architecture for Viasat’s D2D NTN platform, spanning UE, RAN, Core Network, and interworking functions. Accountable for architectural inputs into the platform roadmap, that impact the UE Terminal, ensuring standards compliance, feature priorities and system/RAN constraints. Represent the UE Terminal team in end-to-end system architecture discussions. Translate product goals into clear architectural principles, interfaces, and assumptions across NTN and TN. Define UE Terminal features required to support alignment with 3GPP Rel-19/20 NTN specifications. Identify gaps or ambiguities in standards and propose deployable, standards-compliant solutions. Develop technical requirements and architectural solutions for NTN-enabled devices. Standards & Industry Engagement: Leverage 3GPP system architecture expertise to ensure alignment with evolving NTN standards. Provide guidance on standards interpretation and implementation. Drive alignment with chipset vendors, OEMs, operators, and standards organizations.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, cellular devices, or system architecture.
• Strong knowledge of LTE and 5G NR technologies.
• Deep understanding of UE architecture, modem chipsets, RF systems, and device integration.
• Demonstrated experience defining system architectural requirements to UE requirements.
• Senior individual contributor with proven architectural authority.
• Experience working with chipset vendors, OEMs, and network partners.
• Strong problem-solving and technical leadership skills.
• Integration experience qualifying a UE in a 3GPP environment.
• Product Engineering experience to participate in Product Roadmap strategic discussions.
• Previous experience providing cost and schedule estimates for both new proposals and sustaining activities.
• Ability to support multiple simultaneous projects and self-prioritize.
• Excellent communication, organizational and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering discipline.
• Availability to support up to 20% travel (averaged over time).

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering discipline.
• Experience with 5G NTN, satellite communications, or Direct-to-Device systems.
• Experience with smartphones, IoT devices, RedCap, eRedCap, or NB-IoT.
• Familiarity with 3GPP standards and standardization activities.
• Experience with PTCRB, GCF, carrier certification, and OTA testing.
• Direct involvement in NTN or satellite communications product launches.

Responsibilities

• Represent the UE Terminal group in the end-to-end system infrastructure architecture for Viasat’s D2D NTN platform, spanning UE, RAN, Core Network, and interworking functions.
• Accountable for architectural inputs into the platform roadmap, that impact the UE Terminal, ensuring standards compliance, feature priorities and system/RAN constraints.
• Represent the UE Terminal team in end-to-end system architecture discussions.
• Translate product goals into clear architectural principles, interfaces, and assumptions across NTN and TN.
• Define UE Terminal features required to support alignment with 3GPP Rel-19/20 NTN specifications.
• Identify gaps or ambiguities in standards and propose deployable, standards-compliant solutions.
• Develop technical requirements and architectural solutions for NTN-enabled devices.
• Leverage 3GPP system architecture expertise to ensure alignment with evolving NTN standards.
• Provide guidance on standards interpretation and implementation.
• Drive alignment with chipset vendors, OEMs, operators, and standards organizations.
• Translate product and customer requirements into UE system requirements.
• Specify UE terminal requirements related to NTN access, mobility, roaming, network selection, behavior, and power management.
• Align with chipset vendors, OEMs, and network vendors on feasible UE terminal implementations for multiple applications such as IoT, RedCap and eRedCap.
• Drive system-level hardware and software trade-off discussions.
• Evaluate and benchmark NTN-capable modems, chipsets, and reference designs.
• Analyze vendor roadmaps, feature support, and standards compliance.
• Lead technical engagement with chipset vendors and device manufacturers.
• Support platform selection and technology investment decisions.
• Support lab, field, and commercial integration and readiness through E2E validation strategies and success criteria ensuring the UE Terminal is operating per the 3GPP Rel-19/20 NTN standards.
• Define UE validation and test strategies.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, RF, and network integration issues.
• Support certification activities including PTCRB, GCF, OTA, and carrier acceptance testing.
• Ensure interoperability with NTN and terrestrial networks.

Benefits

• range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered
• comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness

What This Job Offers

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