Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload STE Engineer

Viasat, Inc. • Tempe, AZ

2d

About The Position

As a Systems AI&T Payload STE Engineer, you will work on Viasat’s Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) team, helping develop, check out, and deploy Special Test Equipment (STE) for satellite communications payloads. The role bridges test planning, interface architecture, collaboration across engineering disciplines, and hands-on payload validation.

You will coordinate test activities and facility readiness with internal teams and external partners, develop test and verification documentation, create and update interface diagrams, and support the physical integration and checkout of customized test equipment. You will also execute test procedures in cleanroom and environmental test settings, assist with anomaly investigations and data collection, and ensure compliance with aerospace safety, ESD, and flight-hardware handling procedures. Travel to subcontractor facilities and environmental test sites is approximately 20%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical STEM field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience in integration and test (AI&T), systems engineering, RF/hardware test, or technical engineering coordination.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in cross-disciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, software, systems, and test disciplines.
• Experience with test matrix mapping, test planning, or requirements verification processes.
• Proficiency creating technical schematics, block diagrams, or Interface Control Documents (ICDs) using Microsoft Visio, Draw.io, or similar drafting tools.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Familiarity with test plans, procedures, and verification processes.
• Strong collaborative communication and interpersonal skills, including coordination with subcontractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with or strong enthusiasm for adopting modern AI tools, including LLM assistants and generative AI tools, to improve productivity and streamline documentation.
• Ability to travel up to 20% for off-site campaign testing at environmental facilities.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Scripting capabilities in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for test data post-processing, instrument automation (PyVISA/SCPI), or analysis; preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with standard RF/microwave laboratory test instrumentation, such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or power meters.
• Exposure to satellite communications payloads, space vehicle subsystems, or aerospace testing standards.
• Experience with satellite command and telemetry architectures or tools such as OpenC3 COSMOS.
• Hands-on exposure to spacecraft environmental testing campaigns, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration Dynamics, or Anechoic EMI/EMC.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with mechanical, software, systems, and other engineering teams.
• Coordinate test planning, facility readiness, interface compatibility, and campaign schedules with subcontractors, satellite bus providers, and hardware vendors.
• Develop and maintain test matrices, operational cross-connect routing grids, and requirements verification cross-reference matrices (VCRMs).
• Design and update Interface Control Documents (ICDs), rack elevation drawings, RF switch matrix schematics, and interconnect block diagrams using Microsoft Visio, Draw.io, or equivalent tools.
• Use AI engineering tools and workflow automation to accelerate documentation, summarize test data, and optimize testing logistics.
• Support physical build, checkout, and hands-on integration of customized STE test racks, coaxial switch drawers, and test interface fixtures.
• Execute standardized test procedures in cleanroom, thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and anechoic chamber environments.
• Support senior engineers with anomaly investigations and data collection.
• Ensure test configurations and hardware interfaces follow aerospace safety protocols, ESD standards, and flight hardware handling procedures.
• Travel to subcontractor facilities and environmental test sites during active qualification campaigns, approximately 20% of the time.

Benefits

• Medical, financial, and 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: Entry Level