Project Engineer - Government Aviation

About us

What you'll do

Viasat’s Government Aviation Team is looking for a Project Engineer to help with technical execution of our Government Aviation programs and capture efforts. This will include completing the delivery of currently scoped developments as well as future functionality and enhancements to Internal Research and Development (IRAD) Government Aviation programs, products, and services.

The day-to-day

You’ll help shape product vision and strategy by integrating market and customer feedback into a clear roadmap that drives engineering execution and Systems Integration, Engineering, and Test SEIT activities driving the IRAD engineering process.

• This wide‑ranging technical role includes leading design, development, system integration, delivery, and support while driving product vision, roadmap, and requirements strategy, and overseeing SEIT activities not limited to requirements and architecture through integration, verification, validation, and sustainment of IRAD programs which will transition to a customer (external) program.

• Use or understanding of requirements tools (DOORS/Jama) to decompose requirements, conduct trade studies, manage change impacts, and maintain the technical baseline and configuration control.

• Use or understanding of technical project executions tools (Jira, tracking spreadsheets) and excellent multi-disciplinary team coordination.

• Ability to oversee Bill of Material (BOM) development and release processes using the Agile PLM platform, coordinating updates across engineering, production, and supply chain functions.

• Lead and mentor multi‑disciplinary teams; interface with internal customers, partners, and stakeholders on highly technical topics.

• Represent engineering in System Requirements Review (SRR)/ Preliminary Design Review (PDR)/ Critical Design Review (CDR) and other technical and programmatic level reviews as needed and coordinate formal system‑level testing and integration efforts within the System Integration Lab (SIL).

• Own engineering cost, schedule, and technical performance; lead staffing, budgets, scope; drive risk & opportunity management and technical reporting; and define performance measures and process rigor scaled to project complexity with the understanding of use of internal funding and ensure technical capability meets baseline requirements supporting the customer funded programs.

• Coordinate with Production and Operations leadership to align schedules, address manufacturing risks, drive readiness for integration and delivery, and ensure execution against program commitments.

• Comfortable working independently on complex challenges and bringing fresh, creative ideas and new technologies to the table.

• Experienced in steering integrated internal project teams and navigating stakeholder needs to deliver what’s realistically achievable.

• Serve as engineering focal for proposals and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), collaborating with Program Management on realistic, budget-conscious executable plans that will positively impact overall strategy plan.

What you'll need

• 
  Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science), including demonstrated technical leadership experience relevant to satellite communications.

• Excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills, clear and effective communication, and a track record of collaborating across diverse technical and organizational teams, including internal stakeholders, vendors, subcontractors, and partners.

• Experience leading SEIT and technical milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR); accountability for engineering cost/schedule/TPMs, risk/opportunity management, program variance (cost, schedule and performance); and working in quick capability release environments.

• Ability to drive roadmap, strategy, and requirements management to achieve priorities.

• Strong Systems Engineering background.

• Understanding or experience with MIL-STD requirements and test methods.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Ability to travel up to 25% both CONUS or OCONUS.

What will help you on the job

• 
  4+ years of demonstrated experience with satellite communications systems.

• Active DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain when administratively feasible.

• Experience in delivering communications systems for aviation customers, including platform integration.

• Experience with commonly used communications and electrical test equipment (e.g. Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyzer, Power Meter, traffic generator and others).

• Hands on experience working with SATCOM terminals and communications solutions.

• Experience with Government standards and requirements, such as; WGS Certification requirements, MIL-STE-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, DO-160, and RMF.

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ 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.
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