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# Systems AI&T - Satellite Payload STE Engineer

- **Company:** Viasat, Inc.
- **Location:** Tempe, AZ, United States
- **Experience:** Starter
- **Salary:** $95,000 - $149,500
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Network Analysis, Computer Engineering, Network Interface Controllers, Hardware Interface Design, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Microsoft Visio, Test Data, Scripting, Large Language Models, Coax, Hardware Testing, SC Clearance
- **Published:** November 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/66725135/1

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical STEM field.
 * 1-3 years of professional experience in integration & test (AI&T), systems engineering, RF/hardware test, or technical engineering coordination.
 * Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively within cross-disciplinary engineering teams (interfacing with mechanical, software, systems, and test disciplines).
 * Experience in test matrix mapping, test planning, or requirements verification processes.
 * Proficiency in creating technical schematics, block diagrams, or Interface Control Documents (ICDs) using Microsoft Visio, Draw.io, or similar drafting tools.
 * Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
 * Familiarity with test plans, procedures, and verification processes.
 * Strong collaborative communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with external subcontractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.
 * Familiarity with or strong enthusiasm for adopting modern AI tools (such as LLM assistants and generative AI tools) to enhance productivity, optimize workflows, and streamline documentation.
 * Ability to travel up to 20% to support off-site campaign testing at environmental facilities (TVAC, shaker, and anechoic chambers).
 * Must be a U.S. citizen
 * Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

What will help you on the job

 * Scripting capabilities in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for test data post-processing, instrument automation (PyVISA/SCPI), or analysis (preferred, but not required).
 * Familiarity with standard RF/microwave laboratory test instrumentation (e.g., vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or power meters).
 * Exposure to satellite communications payloads, space vehicle subsystems, or aerospace testing standards.
 * Experience with satellite command and telemetry architectures or tools like OpenC3 COSMOS.
 * Hands-on exposure to spacecraft environmental testing campaigns (Thermal Vacuum / TVAC, Vibration Dynamics, or Anechoic EMI/EMC).

## Description

As a Systems AI&T Payload STE Engineer, you will play a pivotal, versatile role bridging test planning, interface architecture, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and hands-on payload validation. Working within our dynamic Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) team, you will contribute directly to developing, checking out, and deploying Special Test Equipment (STE) for state-of-the-art satellite communications payloads.
The day-to-day

 * Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, partnering daily with mechanical, software, and systems engineers.
 * Coordinate test planning, facility readiness, interface compatibility, and campaign schedules with external subcontractors, satellite bus providers, and hardware vendors.
 * Develop and maintain detailed test matrices, operational cross-connect routing grids, and requirements verification cross-reference matrices (VCRMs).
 * Design and update Interface Control Documents (ICDs), rack elevation drawings, RF switch matrix schematics, and interconnect block diagrams using Microsoft Visio, Draw.io, or equivalent diagramming tools.
 * Proactively leverage AI engineering tools and workflow automation to accelerate technical documentation, summarize complex test data, and optimize testing logistics.
 * Support the physical build, checkout, and hands-on integration of customized STE test racks, coaxial switch drawers, and test interface fixtures.
 * Execute standardized test procedures across cleanroom, thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and anechoic chamber test environments, supporting senior engineers with anomaly investigations and data collection.
 * Ensure test configurations and hardware interfaces strictly adhere to aerospace safety protocols, ESD standards, and flight hardware handling procedures.
 * Travel (approximately 20%) to subcontractor facilities and environmental test sites during active qualification campaigns.