Senior Systems Engineer - RAN

Viasat, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global communications company is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join their Access Networks team. The role involves supporting the design and deployment of advanced satellite communication systems focused on 5G NTN solutions. Candidates should possess a strong background in Electronic Engineering and relevant satellite communication experience. This position offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration across project teams, and involvement in high-impact projects. Applicants must be willing to travel occasionally and be self-motivated problem solvers.

Benefits

Travel opportunities

Work in a diverse team

Innovative projects

Qualifications

• Experience with 5G stack development, including PHY and L2/L3 layers.
• Knowledge of Radio Access Network and satellite propagation models.
• Experience in satellite communication systems design and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of detailed requirements from high-level architecture.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert for 5G NTN AN system engineering.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for efficient planning.

Skills

Electronic Engineering

Satellite Communications

Telecommunications

3GPP specifications for 5G NR NTN

IP/routing protocols

Data analysis skills

Education

First Degree in relevant field

Job description

About us

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 looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join the Access Networks team of Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs). This role will initially involve supporting the design, integration and deployment of the next generation LEO Device to Device Ground Segment mission and Moonlight program, supporting new feature designs and service initiations for Viasat’s existing missions including our GX10 (Arctic) mission and GX7, 8 and 9 satellites, as well as future Viasat missions. The successful candidate will play a lead senior systems engineering role in activities including:

• System requirement analysis, design and development, with ownership of current and future AN subsystems with focus on projects investing in 5G NTN solutions
• Lead deployment of Access Network subsystems
• Develop Access Network feature specifications to support projects optimising usage and utility of our current and future satellite fleet
• Managing AN integration processes across Programs (e.g. Moonlight, LEO D2D, GX, ABBP, leases, national GWs, etc.)
• Support service introduction, and hand-off to operations.
• Support creation and deployment of 5G NTN test/lab infrastructure
• Simulation and modelling activities in support of new system requirement definition
• Program and budget Management by working closely with BizOp lead and Project/Product management team.

The successful applicant must be self‑motived and be capable of completing complex tasks with minimum supervision and have the confidence and ability to promote improvements and introduce new technologies.

The role will require co‑ordination with a wide range of other project teams both within and external to Viasat. The successful candidate will be required to represent Viasat as the technical expert in meetings and must be capable of dealing confidently with experts in similar and different disciplines. The role may require regular travel to support system integration activities.

The day-to-day

• From the high‑level architecture produced within Engineering, for post Gate 2 programmes, lead the development of detailed requirements and negotiate with the various suppliers the development/procurement of the Access Network and interfacing to associated subsystems, ensuring specifications are consistent with overall architectural needs
• To act as a Subject Matter Expert for 5G NTN AN system engineering across the company, using acquired expert knowledge to work on complex issues that impact the success of critical projects, valuable relationships and key business processes.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of industry trends and developments regarding the “state of the art” in 5G NR NTN systems and use this knowledge to influence Viasat’s procurement/development strategy for future ground segment programmes, maximising performance vs cost
• Design, implement and validate 5G NR NTN L2/L3 features in line with 3GPP specifications
• Lead simulation/modelling activities that will determine the risks/benefits of the various candidate solutions, collaborating with peer groups in Systems Architecture and Networks Engineering
• Develop test tools, simulations as appropriate in support of test campaigns and performance evaluation exercises.
• Develop and lead system development and test campaigns, helping to ensure new nodes have been tested sufficiently before being released to site.
• Access Network System Engineering to align and maximise, the current and future, Viasat generation of networks.
• Create and maintain technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution
• Technical Lead interface
• Be accountable for delivery of key AN systems in support of Viasat business needs and large satellite programmes, driving solutions in a timely manner when problems arise.
• As Subject Matter Expert, lead design and test and reviews, including review of detailed functional specifications
• Develop requirements for future enhancement of Viasat radio resource management functions, ensuring efficient utilisation of our space segment
• Support budgetary estimation and planning activities
• Management of programmes within schedule and available budget.
• Work closely with other members of the company (within Engineering as well as Global Operations and Business Units) in programme planning and management to ensure successful handover of new systems into commercial service
• Initiate team projects to validate and characterise aspects of system behaviour and performance
• Leading network optimisation or network enhancements, including development of requirements, specification and procurement within agreed budgets
• Developing low level systems engineering knowledge of entire Viasat end-to-end network from a radio resource management perspective and providing knowledge transfer where applicable
• Working with internal stakeholders to define and design new services and features to improve performance or meet new service requirements

What you'll need

• First Degree or equivalent in Electronic Engineering, Satellite Communications, Telecommunications, Computing Science or related technical discipline
• Detailed knowledge of key technology areas: Radio Access Network, Satellite propagation models, Modulation and Coding, Mobile satellite and VSAT systems
• Relevant practical experience in satellite communication systems design, testing and verification, data communication and networking.
• Knowledge of 3GPP specifications for 5G NR NTN
• Experience with 5G stack development particularly with PHY, MAC, L2/L3 layers
• Ability to prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment, able to balance multiple projects and tasks, complete them successfully, and within timelines
• IP/routing protocols, including QoS
• Good oral and written communication skills in English (including ability to communicate complex topics to senior stakeholders across the business)
• Willingness and commitment to travel

What will help you on the job

• Inmarsat GX/ BGAN satellite system design and protocols
• Viasat SurfBeam, ABBP, Mach3 satellite system design and protocols
• Knowledge of terrestrial mobile network design and operation
• Resource management systems
• Ka, L, Q/V band antenna technology and RF systems
• Data analysis skills
• Working knowledge of developing communications system simulation/modelling tools e.g. in Python or Matlab

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.