Lead Systems Engineer - Space, Viasat Government

Role overview Lead engineering across the lifecycle of complex spacecraft, from architecture and mission design through integration, verification, and operations. Translate mission goals into system solutions, guide technical direction, and coordinate work across spacecraft, payload, software, ground, operations, supplier, and customer teams.

Responsibilities - Lead or oversee spacecraft architecture, mission design, and system trade studies, balancing performance, affordability, reliability, and operational needs. - Drive payload-to-bus integration and resolve technical issues that span spacecraft subsystems. - Define, decompose, allocate, and maintain mission, vehicle, subsystem, and interface requirements. - Manage spacecraft interfaces and coordinate technical integration across engineering disciplines and external partners. - Guide verification and operational readiness work across the spacecraft lifecycle. - Provide technical leadership in customer interactions and major program reviews.

Requirements - The available description emphasizes deep experience in spacecraft design, systems engineering, mission operations, and technical integration. - Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering work and influence technical direction across organizations. - Ability to turn ambiguous mission and business objectives into practical engineering strategies. - Experience coordinating across spacecraft subsystems, payloads, flight software, ground systems, mission operations, suppliers, and customers.

Benefits and work setup - Compensation is listed at $180,500–$285,000 annually, with a higher stated range of $224,500–$336,500 for specified high-cost metropolitan areas. Pay depends on role-related skills and experience. - The source notes potential cash or stock incentives and medical, financial, and other benefits; package details depend on the position.