Senior Software Engineer - 5G Devices

We are seeking an 5G Devices Senior Software Engineer to design and develop modular software platforms for user equipment (UE) and customer premises equipment (CPE). This role focuses on device-side software architecture, integrating industry-leading 5G chipsets with custom satellite and networking capabilities to create hybrid connectivity solutions for various markets including automotive, aviation, and maritime.

Note - This position focuses on device/UE software architecture and is distinct from RAN (gNodeB/base station) or 5G Core network roles. Candidates should have device-side, client-side, or CPE development experience rather than network infrastructure expertise.

The day-to-day

Modular Software Architecture & Design

Design and implement modular software architectures with reusable building blocks, for devices that operate on NTN with Viasat's satellites

Develop software abstraction layers (HAL) and middleware that decouple application logic from modem hardware implementations

Create flexible, configurable software frameworks that support multiple device variants (many devices could have capabilities in addition to 5G, based on the target market), form factors, and deployment scenarios

Define clear interfaces and APIs between software modules to enable independent development, testing, and evolution of components

Balance architectural flexibility with performance requirements in resource-constrained embedded environments

5G Chipset Integration & Device Driver Development

Integrate 5G modem solutions from industry-leading vendors (Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel) into device platforms and develop reference designs

Develop and maintain device drivers within the Linux kernel that support modem interfaces used in 5G technology (PCIe, USB, SDIO, UART)

Implement low-level software to control modem initialization, configuration, power management, and runtime behavior

Work with vendor Board Support Packages (BSP) and customize them for Viasat's specific hardware and use case requirements

Resolve challenging hardware-software integration faults

Optimize performance for latency, throughput, power consumption, and system stability

Reference Design Development

Design and maintain reference software architectures that serve as templates for partner-developed devices

Create comprehensive SDK packages including libraries, sample code, documentation, and build tools for OEM/ODM partners

Develop "golden reference" implementations demonstrating guidelines for building 5G NTN enabled devices compatible with Viasat's network

Provide technical guidance and support to external device manufacturers using reference designs

Ensure reference architectures are well-documented, maintainable, and follow industry standards (3GPP, GSMA)

Balance reference design completeness with flexibility to accommodate diverse partner and market requirements

System Integration & Validation

Collaborate with hardware engineering teams to define device architecture and hardware-software interfaces

Develop test frameworks and validation suites for 5G device software components

Conduct performance analysis, profiling, and optimization of end-to-end device software stack

Support field trials and customer deployments, slving issues and implementing fixes

Multi-Functional Leadership

Partner with chipset vendor Field Application Engineers (FAEs) to leverage vendor expertise and resolve technical issues

Collaborate with product management to translate business requirements into technical architectures

Work with application teams to ensure software building blocks meet upper-layer software needs

Mentor software engineers on 5G device technologies, driver development, and embedded systems best practices

Contribute to technical roadmaps and technology evaluation for future 5G device platforms

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field

8+ years of experience in embedded software development for wireless communication devices

5+ years of hands-on experience with 5G/LTE modem integration or device-side cellular protocol implementations

Proven track record of architecting and delivering commercial 5G UE or CPE products

Deep understanding of 5G NR device architecture, including RF, baseband, and application processor subsystems

Hands-on experience integrating 5G modem chipsets from vendors like Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel, or Samsung

Knowledge of 3GPP UE protocol stacks (NAS, SDAP, RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, PHY layers from device perspective)

Familiarity with 5G NR physical layer procedures, MIMO techniques, carrier aggregation.

Understanding of regulatory requirements (FCC, CE, carrier certifications) for 5G devices

Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and system-level programming

Strong experience with Linux kernel development, including device driver implementation and kernel module debugging

Solid understanding of hardware interfaces: PCIe, USB, SDIO, SPI, I2C, GPIO

Experience with Android BSP development or embedded Linux distributions (Yocto, Buildroot)

Proven expertise in writing Linux kernel device drivers (character devices, network drivers, platform drivers)

Experience with kernel synchronization primitives, memory management, DMA, and interrupt handling

Ability to debug kernel-level issues using tools like ftrace, perf, crash dumps, and JTAG debuggers

Knowledge of device tree, ACPI, and platform-specific hardware initialization

Demonstrated ability to design modular, maintainable software architectures for complex embedded systems

Experience creating SDKs, reference designs, or platform software used by external partners

Strong documentation skills for technical specifications, architecture documents, and API references

Understanding of software design patterns, abstraction techniques, and interface design principles

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to debug complex hardware-software interactions

Excellent communication skills to collaborate with chipset vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders

Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment

What will help you on the job

Experience with satellite-terrestrial convergence or hybrid connectivity systems

Expertise in optimizing software for resource-constrained hardware

Experience with 5G IoT devices (NB-IoT, LTE-M) or industrial 5G applications

Background in wireless protocol testing and certification processes

Contributions to open-source projects related to wireless communications or embedded Linux

Knowledge of secure boot, trusted execution environments (TEE), and embedded security practices

$161,000.00 - $255,000.00 / 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 $200,500.00- $300,500.00/ 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 . EEO Statement

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 The Viasat Access Edge Terminal Software team is responsible for the design, development, delivery and support of software running on embedded satellite terminal products (Ka-band, L-band, 5G) that are used in aviation, maritime, residential and other sectors.