Principal Systems Architect

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.

The Principal Systems Architect will work within a small team within the Solutions Engineering team who are responsible for all engineering aspects (from initial concept to introduction of the service) for ViaSat’s Aircraft Operations and Safety, and Advance Air Mobility Services. 

The postholder will be the systems architect for the evolution of Viasat’s Advanced Air Mobility and SwiftBroadband Safety infrastructure.  The main focus will be on enabling the next generation of aviation—including UAVs, uncrewed systems, and autonomous platforms—with resilient, secure, and scalable satellite connectivity; and emerging communications and surveillance requirements for Air Traffic Management. 

The role requires close working with industry partners within the UAV/Satefy community including UAV/aircraft manufacturers (i.e. Airbus and Boeing), avionics suppliers, and air traffic communication service providers and airline operational services. The role will represent Viasat as a technical expert in meetings with suppliers and must be capable of dealing confidently with experts in similar (and adjacent fields) and help develop innovative solutions that unlock new possibilities.

• Compile system design requirements for next generation developments.
• Produce system concepts, candidate architectures and conduct trade-off studies.
• Develop and present integrated satcom solutions tailored to UAV and AAM operational requirements, and aviation safety requirements
• Lead and support integration of satcom systems onto UAV, AAM and AOS platforms
• Collaborate with hardware partners and terminal providers (e.g., low-SWaP UAV satcom systems) to ensure interoperability and performance
• Provide hands-on technical support for installation, configuration, and system optimization, and act as technical link between the various partners
• Develop integration documentation, CONOPS, and validation approaches
• Plan and execute flight demonstrations, trials, and proof-of-concept activities and provide real-time troubleshooting and technical leadership during field deployments
• Create detailed design specifications for use in competitive procurements for evolution of Viasat’s infrastructure. 
• Manage suppliers for implementation, verification, and change management safety infrastructure. 
• Define/refine the operational model in planning for service introduction readiness, initial operations (eg customer Beta testing), and in-life service management metrics (KPIs) needed to demonstrate compliance with performance standards.
• Work with others within the Engineering and Operations teams to achieve above.

• Degree or equivalent experience in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
• Technically proficient in telecommunications technologies, an understanding of IP-based mobile networking technologies and satellite systems
• Strong analytical capability, able to conduct system engineering and technology trade-offs
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships and trust
• Advanced knowledge of satellite communications systems, including RF fundamentals, link budgets, modem/waveform concepts, and L-band / Ku / Ka-band / NTN architectures.
• Hands-on experience supporting system integration, deployment, or field operations

• Experience working with UAV, UAS, or Advanced Air Mobility platforms
• Familiarity with airborne satcom terminals, particularly low SWaP solutions
• Exposure to flight testing, demonstrations, or field trials
• Good knowledge of software development and engineering techniques
• Knowledge of Viasat and other satellite communications systems.
• Knowledge/understanding of aeronautical as standards (e.g. ARINC, RTCA, Eurocae),

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.