ViaSat

Lead Systems Architect, High-Speed Modems

ViaSat$141K — $224K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (Master's preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in developing complex algorithms for modem design or system architecture
  • Expertise in digital modem timing recovery, frequency acquisition, AGC, carrier/phase recovery, and FEC
  • Working knowledge of modern digital communications systems, DSP, and modem design
  • Knowledge of Ethernet, optical transport networking, framing, and data formatting standards
  • Experience modeling modem algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C, or C++
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams

Responsibilities

  • Define and maintain end-to-end modem and communications system architectures
  • Manage system and subsystem requirements, including decomposition and traceability
  • Lead trade studies for waveform design and implementation approaches
  • Provide technical leadership to FPGA, ASIC, hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
  • Coordinate internal and subcontractor modem development activities
  • Interface directly with customers and conduct technical reviews
  • Lead system integration, verification, and validation activities

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Financial incentives including cash or stock options
  • Support for holistic employee wellness
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Flexible travel requirements (up to 10%)
Full Job Description
What you'll do

You will play a key role in defining, architecting, and leading the development of advanced high-speed communications modem solutions for space, optical, and terrestrial communications applications. This role is focused on system-level architecture, requirements ownership, technical leadership, and integration across multidisciplinary development teams. You will provide technical direction to hardware, FPGA, ASIC, software, and systems engineering teams while serving as a primary technical interface to customers and subcontractors.

The day-to-day

  • Define and maintain end-to-end modem and communications system architectures
  • Manage system and subsystem requirements, including decomposition, allocation, and traceability
  • Lead trade studies involving waveform design and implementation approaches
  • Provide technical leadership across FPGA, ASIC, hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
  • Coordinate internal and subcontractor modem development activities
  • Interface directly with customers and support technical reviews
  • Lead system integration, verification, and validation activities
  • Identify and manage technical risks and performance margins
  • Support major design reviews and proposal activities
  • Support proposal development by constructing detailed Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and maintaining program execution cadence across key milestones.

What you'll need

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (Master's preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in developing complex algorithm for modem design or system architecture definition, design, integration, and testing
  • Expertise in digital modem timing recovery, frequency acquisition and recovery, AGC, carrier/phase recovery, and FEC
  • Working knowledge of modern digital communications systems, DSP, and modem design
  • Knowledge of Ethernet, optical transport networking, framing, and data formatting standards
  • Experience modeling modem algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C, or C++
  • Experience implementing or guiding modem implementations in FPGA and/or ASIC technologies
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams
  • Strong customer-facing communication skills
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job

  • Active U.S. security clearance
  • Experience designing satellite, optical, or terrestrial communications systems
  • Experience leading modem architecture and technical teams
  • Free-space optical communications experience
  • 100G+ communications ASIC experience
  • Space systems and payload experience
  • Familiarity with CCSDS, DVB-S2X, Ethernet, and optical networking protocols
  • MBSE and requirements-based verification experience

Salary range

$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

About ViaSat

ViaSat is a global communications company that provides satellite and wireless networking technology, services, and solutions. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. ViaSat offers a range of products and services, including satellite broadband internet, in-flight Wi-Fi, and secure networking systems for government and military customers. The company has more than 6,200 employees and operates in over 50 countries. ViaSat is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol VSAT.
Learn more about ViaSat
Size
7,000 employees
Market Cap
$2.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2 million
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+12.3%
Revenue
$2.2 billion
NASDAQ

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