MMIC Design Engineer

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:

We are seeking a highly motivated MMIC Design Engineer to design, develop, and validate high-performance RF and microwave integrated circuits for wireless communications, aerospace, defense, satellite, and radar applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for the complete MMIC design cycle, from architecture definition and circuit design through layout, EM simulation, fabrication support, and laboratory characterization.

This is a site‑based role, employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five‑day workweek.

The day-to-day:

Design RF/microwave/mmWave integrated circuits including:

Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)

Power Amplifiers (PAs)

Mixers

Oscillators and Frequency Synthesizers

Switches

Variable Gain Amplifiers (VGAs)

Driver Amplifiers

Phase Shifters and Attenuators

Develop MMIC solutions using GaAs, GaN, SiGe, CMOS, or other semiconductor technologies.

Perform circuit simulation and optimization using industry-standard EDA tools.

Conduct electromagnetic (EM) simulations and analyze parasitic effects.

Create and review MMIC layouts while ensuring compliance with foundry design rules.

Support wafer fabrication, process integration, and tape-out activities.

Develop test plans and perform RF characterization using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, load-pull systems, and probe stations.

Analyze measurement data and correlate results with simulations.

Collaborate with system, packaging, product, and manufacturing engineers to optimize performance and manufacturability.

Generate technical documentation, design reviews, and customer presentations.

Support product qualification, reliability testing, and production transfer activities.

What you'll need:

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in RF/MMIC design (experience level may vary based on role).

Strong understanding of microwave circuit theory, transmission lines, impedance matching, and RF system concepts.

Experience with MMIC technologies such as:

GaAs pHEMT

GaN HEMT

SiGe BiCMOS

RF CMOS

Proficiency with EDA tools such as:

Keysight ADS

Cadence Virtuoso

AWR Microwave Office

HFSS

CST Microwave Studio

Experience with S-parameter analysis, load-pull techniques, harmonic balance simulation, and noise analysis.

What will help you on the job:

Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical field.

Experience designing circuits operating from microwave through millimeter-wave frequencies (10 GHz–110 GHz+).

Knowledge of radar, satellite communications, 5G/6G, aerospace, or defense systems.

Familiarity with advanced packaging technologies and RF module integration.

Experience with automated test development using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.

RF/Microwave Circuit Design

MMIC Layout and Verification

Electromagnetic Simulation

Device Modeling and Characterization

Signal Integrity Analysis

Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM)

Statistical Yield Analysis

RF Test and Measurement

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Strong project ownership and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple design activities in a fast-paced environment.