Senior RF Systems Engineer

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

We are looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer to join our team and help us continue to develop and expand our successful satellite ground networks! Working closely with the rest of the Ground Systems Engineering team, and with key stakeholders in Operations RF engineering, the Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the scoping of the RFS (radio frequency subsystem) and antenna development efforts for all ground programmes, including national gateways in support of market access requirements. This will include contributing to system architecture and specification efforts, and deriving detailed requirements for the RF/antenna systems, leading technical procurement efforts with leading industrial partners, and leading delivery programmes through the detailed design phase. The role requires working knowledge of RF and antenna systems, to provide expertise in this area company wide for all programmes requiring engineering input in this area. The role sits within the Ground Systems engineering team within Global Space Networks, with the team also being responsible for leading system definition work for Ka band radio access networks that interface directly to the RFS/antenna systems. The role therefore also requires development of detailed knowledge of these complementary systems to ensure consistency across the full ground segment, including with the Radio Resource Management team and Systems Architecture group for L band programmes.

The day-to-day

• From the high-level architecture produced within GSN, for post Gate 2 programs, lead the development of detailed requirements and negotiate with the various suppliers the development/procurement of the RFS and Antenna systems, ensuring specifications are consistent with overall architectural needs.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of industry trends and developments regarding the “state of the art” in RF systems and antennas, and use this knowledge to influence Viasat’s procurement/development strategy for future ground segment programmes, maximising performance vs cost.
• Provide detailed RF engineering expertise across the company as needed in support of programmes including IOT, TT&C, and as required for new initiatives including Moonlight.
• Lead simulation/modelling activities that will determine the risks/benefits of the various candidate solutions, collaborating with peer groups in Systems Architecture and Networks Engineering.
• With RAN engineering colleagues, lead the integration efforts between RAN and RFS systems for all Inmarsat ground programmes.
• Report progress and deliver to the Technical Delivery programme manager for each programme the above validated and site deployed RFS and antenna systems as per agreed budget, timeline and specs.
• Work to maximise commonality between our various RFS and antenna systems (Ka-band, L-band).

What you'll need

• 5+ years relevant practical experience in radio frequency systems as applied to satellite communications, including system design and specification responsibilities.
• First Degree or equivalent in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computing Science or related technical discipline.
• Good background knowledge of key technology areas:

• Antenna systems and technologies
• Radio Frequency Systems and technologies
• Satellite ground network technology and architecture
• Radio propagation models
• Modulation and Coding
• Mobile satellite communications and VSAT systems
• Communications link budgets

What will help you on the job

• Practical knowledge of an existing deployed Ka band satellite ground network technology (e.g. Viasat, iDirect, Newtec, Gilat, Hughes), including configuration and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of terrestrial mobile network design and operation.
• Working knowledge of methods used in test and verification of RF systems.
• Knowledge of programming/scripting languages to enable modelling of problems.
• The ability to lead trade studies and architect innovative solutions to difficult technical problems.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic.