RF Engineer, Transceiver Design

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 an experienced RF Engineer to contribute to gateway transceiver systems and integrated phased array RF assemblies. This role delivers hands-on engineering across frequency conversion design, component sourcing, and single-PWB distribution networks. The position operates with limited supervision to ensure layout, integration, and performance success.

The day-to-day:

Design and develop Ka-band frequency conversion architectures, including up-converter and down-converter assemblies, maximizing spectral purity and signal integrity.

Perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation (using tools like ADS, HFSS, or Genesys) to ensure compliance with system-level gain, noise figure, linearity, and spur requirements.

Lead schematic capture and layout implementation for the integrated RF assembly on a single Printed Wiring Board (PWB), optimizing high-frequency routing and decoupling networks.

Define and optimize the RF distribution network for the phased array, managing complex splitting/combining networks and front-end/back-end driver stages.

Generate technical specifications for external components, including the procurement and qualification of Power Amplifiers (PAs) and the integration of internal Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs).

Support the integration and calibration of the Ka-band transceiver with the phased array antenna elements to enable full testbed functionality.

Contribute to RF architecture trade studies, particularly regarding frequency planning, filter placement, thermal management, and PWB material selection for millimeter-wave frequencies.

Interface with PWB fabrication and assembly partners to ensure strict adherence to manufacturing tolerances, layer stack-up requirements, and component placement guidelines.

Participate in RF design reviews, test readiness reviews, and lab characterization using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.

Identify RF performance risks (e.g., cross-talk, substrate losses, element-to-element coupling, parasitic oscillations) and develop robust mitigation strategies.

What you'll need:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience

5+ years of RF engineering experience supporting millimeter-wave or transceiver hardware development

Demonstrated expertise in up-converter/down-converter design and active component specification (PAs and LNAs)

Experience with phased array architectures, corporate feed networks, and high-frequency PWB integration

Ability to work independently on defined technical problems with minimal instruction

Experience working with vendors and manufacturing partners, including PCB fabricators and component suppliers

Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Security Clearance

What will help you on the job:

Experience supporting phased array antenna testbeds or millimeter-wave hardware integration

Familiarity with transceiver up-converter/down-converter integration and lab characterization environments

Deep understanding of beamforming networks, gain/noise figure budgets, and PWB parasitic analysis

Strong analytical skills and disciplined documentation practices

Clear communication of complex RF, transceiver, and phased array topics to cross-disciplinary teams