Systems Engineer - Lead

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 You will serve as the senior technical authority for a space communications program delivering resilient, secure, anti‑jam wideband capabilities for U.S. and allied tactical users. In this customer‑facing role, you will lead end‑to‑end systems engineering activities spanning space, ground, and network segments, while coordinating and delegating work across a multi‑disciplinary systems engineering team. You will guide architecture development, technical integration, and system execution across multiple subcontractors, ensuring mission objectives are translated into robust, verifiable system solutions. The day-to-day Lead definition of end‑to‑end system architectures across space, ground, and network segments Own system‑level technical budgets including RF performance, power, mass, data, margins, and constraints Drive system trade studies and integration strategies for new and custom capabilities Author and control system‑level requirements, specifications, and interface definitions Decompose, allocate, and manage requirements across internal teams and external suppliers Coordinate and oversee systems engineering tasking across the program team Serve as primary technical interface to customers and key stakeholders Lead system participation in lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, readiness reviews) Ensure verification and validation strategies are defined, executed, and closed Identify, manage, and communicate system‑level risks, assumptions, and margin posture Mentor and develop systems engineering staff and help mature SE processes What you'll need Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field 10+ years of systems engineering experience on space or aerospace programs Prior technical leadership or lead systems engineering experience Demonstrated experience integrating space, ground, and network system elements Strong background in requirements development, system architecture, and lifecycle execution Excellent technical communication and customer‑facing skills US Citizenship with ability to obtain Secret Clearance Ability to travel up to 10% What will help you on the job Deep experience with space communications systems and subcontractor management Familiarity with MBSE or requirements management tools Experience delivering mission‑critical, high‑reliability systems 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 . Lead definition of end‑to‑end system architectures across space, ground, and network segments Own system‑level technical budgets including RF performance, power, mass, data, margins, and constraints Drive system trade studies and integration strategies for new and custom capabilities Author and control system‑level requirements, specifications, and interface definitions Decompose, allocate, and manage requirements across internal teams and external suppliers Coordinate and oversee systems engineering tasking across the program team Serve as primary technical interface to customers and key stakeholders Lead system participation in lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, readiness reviews) Ensure verification and validation strategies are defined, executed, and closed Identify, manage, and communicate system‑level risks, assumptions, and margin posture Mentor and develop systems engineering staff and help mature SE processes Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field 10+ years of systems engineering experience on space or aerospace programs Prior technical leadership or lead systems engineering experience Demonstrated experience integrating space, ground, and network system elements Strong background in requirements development, system architecture, and lifecycle execution Excellent technical communication and customer‑facing skills US Citizenship with ability to obtain Secret Clearance Ability to travel up to 10%