Electro-Optical Systems Project Engineer

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

Are you looking for a great opportunity working hands on with the world’s most innovative technologies where you’re challenged and get design, setup and debug sophisticated networks for government and military customers? If so, we want you to be a part of our team!

The day-to-day

As an Optical Systems Project Engineer you will use your experience to craft, implement, document, test, troubleshoot and deploy Free-Space Optical Communications solutions. You'll diagnose and resolve sophisticated problems, provide critical technical support, and maintain engineering skills all while leading a spectrum of internal development, capital, and contract programs across a variety of related technology. You'll digest new technology quickly, build solutions to new challenges, engage with multiple customer groups to drive execution and will have the opportunity to support the growth of the business not just through the oversight development of technology but also through supporting proposal development and customer engagement. You will architect new solutions and influence emerging technology to address customer challenges, have direct involvement in communications programs and projects for US DoD customers as well as commercial applications and will oversee the most sophisticated optical and mechanical hardware problems and will be empowered to research technological advancements and evaluate complex technologies to understand their potential.

What you'll need

• 7+ years’ experience designing, analyzing, prototyping, and testing fiberoptic or free-space optical (FSO) communication systems.
• 5+ years’ experience performing system modelling using commercial software tools, such as MATLAB
•  Experience leading Fiberoptic or FSO system development and production
• Proven ability to advise and mentor other Engineers
• Proven experience with Agile development framework and practices
• Proven management of multi-disciplinary teams over diverse geographical locations
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, Electrical Engr, Optical Engr or related technical discipline
• US Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance
• Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job

• Master's or PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related technical discipline, with a focus on optical systems
• Extensive laboratory experience for testing and characterization of optical systems
• Experience with Ansys STK
• Ability to lead proposal efforts and participate in ongoing business development
• Military Satellite Communications architecture experience
• Government systems and service acquisition experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance

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.
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.