ViaSat

Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload Lead

ViaSat$141K — $224K *
Tempe, AZ 85281In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
  • 8+ years of experience in systems, integration & test, or payload test engineering.
  • Experience leading complex test system or payload integration efforts.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft payloads, interfaces, and system integration.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, and build documentation.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage technical execution.
  • Strong communication skills and customer/stakeholder interface experience.
  • Strong experience with RF test equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end payload AI&T strategy, including STE, GSE, and GSW development and delivery.
  • Define architecture and design of payload testbeds and interfaces.
  • Drive design for manufacturing, including test plans and procedures.
  • Lead implementation of payload test procedures and automated scripts.
  • Oversee emulator development and associated software interfaces.
  • Support I&T activities, including anomaly resolution and validation.
  • Coordinate delivery of hardware, documentation, and training to stakeholders.
  • Manage schedules and milestones to ensure timely delivery.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical coverage.
  • Financial benefits, including cash or stock incentives.
  • Programs focused on holistic health and wellness.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Full Job Description
What you'll do

You will serve as the technical lead for Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) of a satellite communications payload, driving the development and delivery of Payload Support/Test Equipment (STE) and associated ground systems. This role spans design, integration, and delivery of payload STEs to the satellite bus provider, ensuring payload readiness for system-level integration and launch.

You will lead the architecture, design for manufacturing (DFM), and implementation of test infrastructure, including ground support equipment (GSE), ground software (GSW), and payload testbeds. This includes development of emulators and user interfaces to support efficient payload verification and operations.

The day-to-day

  • Lead end-to-end payload AI&T strategy, including STE, GSE, and GSW development and delivery.
  • Define architecture and design of payload testbeds, including hardware, harnessing, and interface electronics.
  • Drive design for Payload manufacturing, build plans, test plans, procedures, and build travelers from start of payload integration through launch.
  • Lead the design, creation, and implementation of all payload test procedures and their scripted automations.
  • Oversee emulator development and associated software interfaces for test and operations.
  • Support integration and test activities through I&T, including anomaly resolution and system validation.
  • Coordinate delivery of payload flight hardware, test hardware, documentation, and training to the satellite bus provider.
  • Manage schedules, milestones, and cross-functional coordination to ensure on-time delivery.
  • Ensure proper documentation, configuration control, and compliance with established processes.
  • Drive risk identification, mitigation, and communication across stakeholders.

What you'll need

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
  • 8+ years of experience in systems, integration & test, or payload test engineering.
  • Experience leading complex test system or payload integration efforts.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft payloads, interfaces, and system integration.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, and build documentation.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage technical execution.
  • Strong communication skills and customer/stakeholder interface experience.
  • Strong experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers.
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Ability to travel up to 20%

What will help you on the job

  • Experience with supporting GSE/GSW development and delivery for space systems.
  • Experience designing scalable testbeds and STE architectures.
  • Background in emulator development and test automation frameworks.
  • Experience supporting environmental qualification testing of spaceflight RF hardware
  • Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for post data processing.
  • Experience with InControl or COSMOS software for payload level testing.
  • Experience supporting satellite bus integration and launch campaigns.
  • Familiarity with system-level integration, verification, and validation processes.
  • Experience in schedule management, risk management, and program execution.

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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