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# Systems Test Engineer - Optical

- **Company:** Viasat, Inc.
- **Location:** Carlsbad, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $141,500.0 - $224,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Bit Error Rate, C Sharp (Programming Language), Network Analysis, Computer Engineering, Data Transmissions, Python (Programming Language), LabVIEW, MATLAB, Software Tools, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Test Data, Strategies of Testing, Visual Systems, Zemax, Performance Testing, Test Scripts, System-level Testing, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3479740605&tx=KJ3939FFF&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
 * 7+ years of experience designing, developing, integrating, and testing complex hardware systems.
 * Experience developing and executing test strategies for fiber-optic, free-space optical (FSO), photonic, electro-optical, RF, digital, or integrated communication systems.
 * Experience developing automated test solutions using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C#, or similar programming languages.
 * Experience designing, integrating, and troubleshooting automated test systems.
 * Experience with optical laboratory instrumentation such as:

 * Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSA)
 * Optical Power Meters
 * BER Test Sets
 * High-Speed Oscilloscopes
 * Optical Attenuators
 * Network Analyzers
 * Signal Generators, Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot multidisciplinary system-level issues., Strong written and verbal communication skills., Proven ability to lead technical efforts and influence engineering decisions., Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements., * Experience with free-space optical communications systems.
 * Experience developing optical link budgets and system performance models.
 * Experience using MATLAB, Zemax, Code V, STK, OptiSystem, or similar modeling tools.
 * Experience with RF, digital communications, networking, embedded systems, or satellite communications technologies.
 * Experience developing automated production or acceptance test systems.
 * Experience supporting satellite communications, space systems, or DoD programs.
 * Experience with environmental qualification testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC, and shock.
 * Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
 * Knowledge of optical alignment, wavefront analysis, and laser system characterization.
 * Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
 * Active Secret, TS, or TS/SCI clearance.

## Description

As a Systems Test Engineer - Optical Systems, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive test strategies for optical communication systems while also supporting system-level test activities across a broad portfolio of products and technologies.

You will collaborate with systems and design engineers early in the development lifecycle to ensure testability is incorporated into product designs and verification approaches. You will lead test planning, test system architecture, automation development, troubleshooting, and performance characterization activities while providing technical leadership across multiple programs.

You will be expected to operate with minimal supervision, influence technical decisions, and drive test solutions that support development, qualification, manufacturing, and customer acceptance testing.

The day-to-day:

 * Define verification and validation strategies for optical systems, subsystems, and integrated hardware platforms.
 * Work with Systems Engineering to derive test requirements from customer and program specifications.
 * Develop system-level test plans, procedures, validation methods, and verification matrices.
 * Design and implement optical, electrical, RF, and system-level test architectures, fixtures, and calibration methodologies.
 * Develop automated test solutions using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C#, or similar tools.
 * Design and execute optical characterization testing including:

 * Optical power and loss measurements
 * Link performance testing
 * BER (Bit Error Rate) testing
 * Receiver sensitivity verification
 * Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) validation
 * Environmental and qualification testing

Support testing of integrated systems containing optical, RF, digital, networking, and embedded technologies.

Analyze test data and generate performance assessments against system requirements.

Troubleshoot complex optical, electrical, software, mechanical, networking, and system integration issues.

Develop and maintain calibration plans for automated test equipment and optical instrumentation.

Support system integration, field testing, demonstrations, environmental testing, and customer acceptance activities.

Lead root-cause investigations and corrective action efforts for development and production hardware.

Generate technical documentation, test reports, procedures, and design review materials.

Present technical findings to program leadership, customers, and engineering teams.

Mentor junior engineers and technicians in systems test methodologies, automation, and best practices.

Influence system architecture and design decisions to improve testability, manufacturability, reliability, and operational performance.

Support proposal activities, technical volume development, and cost estimating efforts as needed.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives supporting test automation, standardization, and operational efficiency across the Systems Test organization.