At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical definition and delivery of advanced security devices in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Viasat, a leader in connectivity across air, land, sea, and space.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and supportive leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities to engage directly with customers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical missions while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in defence/aerospace, degree in Engineering or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 53550 - 65450 £ per year.
About us
At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space. We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.
What you’ll do
Viasat UK has transformed the market for assured Data at Rest solutions and is rapidly growing its business. Viasat UK is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the technical definition and delivery of our advanced security devices and work across multiple Information Assurance development projects. This is a high-visibility, hands-on role where you will define product features, architect end-to-end solutions, and serve as the Technical Lead on key projects. You will work side-by-side with our Technical Project Managers to guide a skilled team of electronics, FPGA, software, and mechanical engineers from concept to deployment.
- System Architecture & Definition: Act as the technical authority for product features, system behavior, and inter-disciplinary design trade-offs.
- Requirements Engineering: Lead the elicitation, structuring, and management of technical requirements using tools like IBM DOORS across all engineering disciplines.
- Engineering Leadership: Guide the development team throughout the product lifecycle, spotting technical risks early, investigating root causes, and driving them to resolution.
- Lifecycle & Qualification: Oversee full product verification, validation, and complex environmental qualification processes from concept to customer acceptance.
- Bids & Estimates: Support the commercial team by producing robust engineering estimates for competitive bid activities.
- Customer Discussions: Interface directly with defence customers to clarify or modify requirements and ensure the developed product satisfies the end need.
What you’ll need
Background: 7+ years of experience in the defence, aerospace, or space sectors developing physical electronic/software products.
Education: A degree-level qualification in Engineering, Electronic Design, Computer Science, Physics, or a relevant technical field.
Experience: Proven track record of delivering complex technical solutions across the systems engineering lifecycle (including requirements management, system design, architecture, and verification).
Skills: Strong system-level thinking with the ability to easily converse with specialists across hardware, software, FPGA, and mechanical domains.
Communication: Strong technical documentation skills and the confidence to negotiate technical requirements directly with customers.
Nationality & Security: Due to UK eyes-only projects, candidates must hold sole British Nationality and hold, or be eligible to achieve, UK DV Clearance.
What will help you on the job
Ability to handle complexity, uncertainty, and competing program demands. Demonstrable experience of problem-solving skills and applying system-level thinking. Experience using system design languages (e.g., SysML, UML) and techniques (e.g., use case analysis, trade studies). Direct experience with defence standards (e.g., DEF STAN, MIL-STD) for environmental and EMC testing. Experience estimating engineering hours and writing technical proposals for bid activities. Familiarity with the NCSC CAPS assurance process.
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.
Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development in Farnborough employer: Viasat, Inc.
Viasat is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. As part of the Space Infrastructure team, you'll engage in meaningful projects that contribute to mission success while enjoying comprehensive benefits, competitive pay, and a strong focus on holistic health and wellness. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, Viasat fosters a culture that values teamwork and encourages employees to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development in Farnborough
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development role you’re after at Viasat, Inc..
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Systems Engineer - Product Development, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Viasat, Inc. a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Viasat, Inc. specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Viasat, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Viasat, Inc., make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Viasat, Inc. want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
