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
Viasat is rapidly growing its advanced wireless capabilities across 5G, LTE, and dedicated wireless access networks! We are seeking a 5G/LTE Systems Engineer to serve as a technical authority across system design, RAN architecture, network integration, optimization, and large-scale deployment programs.
The day-to-day
5G / LTE / Private Wireless Architecture
- Lead the design and implementation of private 5G and LTE systems, including core-to-RAN integration, mobility management, traffic engineering, and enterprise/mission-critical applications.
- Design radio access architectures, including CU/DU splits, fronthaul/mid-haul/backhaul planning, and system-level performance optimization.
- Develop and test network slicing capabilities for traffic separation, QoS, and SLA-driven service enablement.
- Architect advanced automation frameworks, RAN policy engines, and intelligent control platforms.
O-RAN / Open RAN Engineering
- Lead system engineering for open RAN architectures, including interoperability testing and disaggregated component integration.
- Support deployments across bare metal, virtualized, and cloud-native environments, ensuring performance, scalability, and resilience.
- Conduct software assessment, system tuning, parameter management, and release certification.
Satellite & Terrestrial Network Integration
- Integrate RAN workloads over high-latency and variable-latency transport, including GEO/LEO satellite mid-haul connectivity.
- Optimize CU–DU interfaces, resiliency strategies, and buffer handling for satellite-linked access nodes.
Field Engineering, Troubleshooting & Network Optimization
- Lead complex troubleshooting across RF layers, transport, IP networking, and RAN software.
- Perform KPI analysis, performance audits, RF sweeps, and site integration.
- Support acceptance testing, cutovers, staging, and maintenance window activities.
- Travel up to 60% to support field operations, engineering validation, and deployment readiness.
Automation, Tools & Documentation
- Develop scripts, validation tools, monitoring utilities, and deployment frameworks.
- Create MOPs, training material, operational guidelines, and system documentation.
Cross-Functional Technical Leadership
- Serve as SME for 5G/LTE, private wireless, open RAN, RF integration, and transport architectures.
- Collaborate with product, engineering, R&D, operations, NOC, and construction teams.
- Provide guidance during architecture reviews, design cycles, and deployment planning.
What you'll need
Technical
- 8+ years of experience in wireless engineering, including LTE and 5G RAN systems.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field or equivalent years of experience.
- Expertise with open RAN architectures and disaggregated radio access components.
- Strong RF knowledge: propagation, antenna systems, DAS, and radio parameter tuning.
- Experience with private wireless (CBRS), enterprise mobility solutions, and mixed indoor/outdoor deployments.
- Strong IP networking background (routing, switching, QoS, VLANs, IPv4/IPv6).
- Experience with virtualization, containers, cloud-native infrastructures (Kubernetes, OpenStack).
- Proficiency with RAN/system troubleshooting tools and OSS/EMS platforms.
- Ability to integrate new features, evaluate software releases, and resolve system-level issues.
- Ability to lead technical teams and support large-scale deployment activities.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Proven experience managing migration programs with minimal service impact.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 60% to support nationwide deployments.
- US citizenship required
- Must be able to work onsite at our College Station TX location; hybrid.
What will help you on the job
- Understanding of 3GPP Rel-15–18 standards, NSA/SA operations, and 5G Core.
- Familiarity with O-RAN Alliance specifications and orchestration frameworks.
- Experience integrating RAN systems into satellite or constrained-latency transport networks.
- Scripting experience (Python, Bash); CI/CD familiarity.
- Understanding of ZTP, telemetry systems, and API-driven configurations.
- Knowledge of 5G/CBRS security frameworks.
- Experience supporting federal or mission-critical communications.
- Desired: CBRS CPI, cloud certifications, advanced wireless certifications.
Salary range
$135,000.00 - $213,500.00 / 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 $168,000.00- $252,000.00/ 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.
