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Electro-Optical Systems Project Engineer Viasat $141,500.00 - $224,000.00 United States, Arizona, Tempe 2040 East Technology Circle (Show on map) Oct 10, 2026

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 Are you looking for a great opportunity working hands on with the world's most innovative technologies where you're challenged and get design, setup and debug sophisticated networks for government and military customers? If so, we want you to be a part of our team! The day-to-day As an Optical Systems Project Engineer you will use your experience to craft, implement, document, test, troubleshoot and deploy Free-Space Optical Communications solutions. You'll diagnose and resolve sophisticated problems, provide critical technical support, and maintain engineering skills all while leading a spectrum of internal development, capital, and contract programs across a variety of related technology. You'll digest new technology quickly, build solutions to new challenges, engage with multiple customer groups to drive execution and will have the opportunity to support the growth of the business not just through the oversight development of technology but also through supporting proposal development and customer engagement. You will architect new solutions and influence emerging technology to address customer challenges, have direct involvement in communications programs and projects for US DoD customers as well as commercial applications and will oversee the most sophisticated optical and mechanical hardware problems and will be empowered to research technological advancements and evaluate complex technologies to understand their potential. What you'll need 7+ years' experience designing, analyzing, prototyping, and testing fiberoptic or free-space optical (FSO) communication systems.

5+ years' experience performing system modelling using commercial software tools, such as MATLAB

Experience leading Fiberoptic or FSO system development and production

Proven ability to advise and mentor other Engineers

Proven experience with Agile development framework and practices

Proven management of multi-disciplinary teams over diverse geographical locations

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, Electrical Engr, Optical Engr or related technical discipline

US Citizenship required

Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance

Ability to travel up to 10% What will help you on the job Master's or PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related technical discipline, with a focus on optical systems

Extensive laboratory experience for testing and characterization of optical systems

Experience with Ansys STK

Ability to lead proposal efforts and participate in ongoing business development

Military Satellite Communications architecture experience

Government systems and service acquisition experience

Active TS/SCI clearance Salary range $141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually.

For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and 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. Notify me of jobs like this