Payload Systems Engineer
About the job
## 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 As a Satellite Systems Engineer, you will focus on the forefront technology for innovative satcom architectures. You understand the space environment for telecommunication systems and have hands-on experience in designing sophisticated space payloads.
This should include but is not limited to in-depth knowledge of communication chains, transponders, power management and distribution units, on-board processing units for digital regenerative applications and beam forming. Additional experience in hardware and software background for payload management is a plus. We are seeking someone who thrives in an R&D framework environment.
You are passionate about continuous improvement and you feel at ease in a multidisciplinary international environment. The ideal candidate will enjoy working on a variety of workflows from system definition, to requirements downflow, reviewing subsystem design/co-design.
Additionally, knowledge of manufacturing, integration, test and qualification to the critical assessment of third-party are also a plus. ## The day-to-day - Lead mission analysis for space system requirements and down-flow to lower tiers. - Lead SWaPC analysis and defining interfaces (digital, electrical, RF, optical, mechanical/thermal, etc.). - Lead architectural trades, link budgets, and support design decisions. - Help drive and facilitate discussions with subcontractors/partners as the need arises. - Challenge external contractors on technical matters. - Assist with reliability analysis and simulations - Support on space qualification activities including advising on bus selection and components. - Assist program management and B&P, including interfacing with customers on programmatic and schedule matters. - Support test procedures, and participate in the integration, test campaign, launch and in-orbit commissioning. - Be involved in preparing presentations and reports for the full development (design reviews, test activities, manufacturing, qualifications, progress review, etc.) at a collaborator level. ## What you'll need - MS/PhD in Engineering (SatCom, Telecommunications, Electronics, Digital Systems, etc.) - 8-10 years of proven experience in the following areas: - SatCom and Payload architectures for LEO/MEO/GEO/HEO - Phased Array Antennas - HW/SW design, development, and integration for space applications - Digital design for space communications - Digital regenerative payloads - Inter-satellite links and digital phased array antennas - Satellite architectures - System engineering for space applications - Space qualification for complex systems - Experience with orbital analysis tools, Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) platform, and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK). - Experience with operations, including satellite TT&C operations, payload operations, users, and network management facilities - Swiss or EU (27) Citizenship or valid Swiss working permit ## What will help you on the job - Previous experience on working with ESA/NASA programs ## ____ #LI-EMEA ## 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.
If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here .
From Viasat's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Viasat
Satellite broadband and secure communications for consumers, airlines, businesses and governments.
Pay on its listings: 74.8% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Viasat's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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