System AI&T Engineer - Test Software Architect

Viasat, Inc. • Tempe, AZ

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About The Position

Viasat Government is seeking an Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer focused on test software architecture and development for Payload Special Test Equipment (STE) and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). The role designs, develops, integrates, and sustains test systems used to verify space-based communications units and payloads during development, qualification, and flight integration. The engineer works closely with systems, payload, RF, digital, software, and manufacturing teams to translate verification requirements into practical, scalable test solutions.

The position covers STE and EGSE architecture and requirements, test development and integration, test operations, automation, continuous improvement, troubleshooting, and analysis. Responsibilities include developing architectures for RF, digital, telemetry, timing, and power interfaces; integrating test hardware and software; supporting functional, performance, and environmental testing; analyzing and documenting results; and maintaining test configurations and assets. The role also develops automation scripts and tools, including CI/CD pipelines, and supports test readiness, integration planning, verification execution, and root-cause investigations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Typically 4–8 years of experience developing, integrating, or supporting STE, EGSE, or automated test systems.
• Experience working with electronic, communications, aerospace, defense, or satellite hardware.
• Understanding of hardware integration and verification methodologies.
• Experience using laboratory instrumentation and automated test equipment.
• Experience with software scripting or automation development.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting spacecraft, payload, communications, or RF systems.
• Experience developing EGSE or payload checkout systems.
• Familiarity with telemetry, command and control, and data acquisition architectures.
• Experience with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C#, or similar development environments.
• Familiarity with RF test equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, and Power Meters.
• Experience performing environmental or qualification testing.
• Experience integrating custom hardware with commercial instrumentation.
• Knowledge of configuration management and verification processes.
• Experience working in fast-paced integration and test environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop STE and EGSE solutions for payload integration and verification.
• Translate payload and subsystem requirements into test architectures, procedures, and automation solutions.
• Own development of STE and EGSE architectures for RF, digital, telemetry, timing, and power interfaces.
• Derive test-equipment requirements from payload verification needs and participate in test planning and verification strategy development.
• Review design documentation and provide feedback on testability and integration considerations.
• Design and integrate test hardware, harnessing, interface electronics, instrumentation, and support equipment.
• Develop automated test procedures, scripts, software tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Integrate commercial test equipment with custom hardware and software solutions.
• Support checkout, unit, subsystem, and payload integration and verification activities.
• Perform functional, performance, and environmental testing of payload hardware.
• Support test readiness reviews and test campaigns; contribute to integration planning and verification execution.
• Analyze test data and document test results; maintain test configurations, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Improve test efficiency and repeatability through automation and process enhancements.
• Support configuration management and lifecycle maintenance of STE and EGSE assets.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, instrumentation, and integration issues; support root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Work with design engineering teams to resolve test and integration anomalies.

Benefits

• The compensation package may include additional cash or stock incentives and medical, financial, and/or other benefits, depending on the position offered.
• Viasat describes its benefit offerings as focused on holistic health and wellness.

What This Job Offers

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