> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2977008-lead-systems-architect-high-speed-modems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2977008-lead-systems-architect-high-speed-modems). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Lead Systems Architect, High-Speed Modems

- **Company:** Viasat, Inc.
- **Location:** Tempe, AZ, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $141,500.0 - $224,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Modems, Data Transmissions, Ethernet, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Network Protocols, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Information Technology
- **Published:** September 18, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9172509/lead-systems-architect-high-speed-modems

## About the Role

* Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (Master's preferred)
 * 10+ years of experience in developing complex algorithm for modem design or system architecture definition, design, integration, and testing
 * Expertise in digital modem timing recovery, frequency acquisition and recovery, AGC, carrier/phase recovery, and FEC
 * Working knowledge of modern digital communications systems, DSP, and modem design
 * Knowledge of Ethernet, optical transport networking, framing, and data formatting standards
 * Experience modeling modem algorithms using MATLAB, Python, C, or C++
 * Experience implementing or guiding modem implementations in FPGA and/or ASIC technologies
 * Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams
 * Strong customer-facing communication skills
 * U.S. Citizenship
 * Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job

 * Active U.S. security clearance
 * Experience designing satellite, optical, or terrestrial communications systems
 * Experience leading modem architecture and technical teams
 * Free-space optical communications experience
 * 100G+ communications ASIC experience
 * Space systems and payload experience
 * Familiarity with CCSDS, DVB-S2X, Ethernet, and optical networking protocols
 * MBSE and requirements-based verification experience

## Description

You will play a key role in defining, architecting, and leading the development of advanced high-speed communications modem solutions for space, optical, and terrestrial communications applications. This role is focused on system-level architecture, requirements ownership, technical leadership, and integration across multidisciplinary development teams. You will provide technical direction to hardware, FPGA, ASIC, software, and systems engineering teams while serving as a primary technical interface to customers and subcontractors.

The day-to-day

 * Define and maintain end-to-end modem and communications system architectures
 * Manage system and subsystem requirements, including decomposition, allocation, and traceability
 * Lead trade studies involving waveform design and implementation approaches
 * Provide technical leadership across FPGA, ASIC, hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
 * Coordinate internal and subcontractor modem development activities
 * Interface directly with customers and support technical reviews
 * Lead system integration, verification, and validation activities
 * Identify and manage technical risks and performance margins
 * Support major design reviews and proposal activities
 * Support proposal development by constructing detailed Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and maintaining program execution cadence across key milestones.


## Related Videos

- [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone)
- [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish)
- [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions)
- [30 Years of Rip and Tear: Doom’s development story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/599-30-years-of-rip-and-tear-doom-s-development-story)
- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age)

## Related Articles

- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [The CAMARA Project: How Telcos Collaborating Improves Developer Experience](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/671-the-camara-project-how-telcos-collaborating-improves-developer-experience)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [How to Find Tech Jobs in Vienna](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/292-how-to-find-tech-jobs-in-vienna)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)