AI&T Engineer - Special Test Equipment (STE)

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

Viasat's Space Infrastructure Team designs, builds, and operates satellites that deliver global connectivity in demanding environments. As part of the integration and test team, your work will contribute directly to payload performance, schedule, and on-orbit mission success.

This role is for an early-career Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer supporting Payload Special Test Equipment (STE). You will work alongside experienced engineers to develop, operate, and maintain test systems used to verify space-based communications hardware.

This is a hands-on, developmental engineering position where you will gain experience across a wide range of test equipment and systems. You will support test development and execution while building skills to grow into a fully independent STE engineer.

What You Will Do

• Support development, integration, and operation of Special Test Equipment (STE) for space payloads
• Assist in translating test requirements into practical test setups, procedures, and automation
• Contribute to testing activities across unit, subsystem, and payload levels
• Work with multi-functional engineering teams to support hardware validation and debugging

The day-to-day

Test Development & Support

• Assist in setup, operation, and debug of RF, digital, power, and telemetry test equipment
• Support development of test procedures and execution of verification testing
• Maintain lab equipment, fixtures, and configurations

Integration & Execution

• Participate in integration and checkout activities for flight hardware
• Support test execution at multiple levels
• Organize and review test data

Automation & Tools

• Use lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and multimeters to validate performance of spaceflight hardware
• Contribute to scripting using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar
• Assist with improving test efficiency

Troubleshooting & Analysis

• Support debugging activities under guidance
• Assist in identifying and analyzing issues

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 0-3 years of experience (including internships or academic projects)
• Basic understanding of RF and/or electronics
• Familiarity with lab test equipment
• Exposure to programming or scripting
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills
• U.S. citizenship required

What will help you on the job

• Internship or lab experience in RF or test engineering
• Knowledge of RF builds and RF test methodologies
• Experience with scripting tools
• Data analysis exposure
• Hands-on electronics or debugging experience

Salary range

$77,000.00 - $122,000.00 / 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 $96,000.00- $144,000.00/ 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 careers.viasat.com/LifeAtViasat/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.