RF Engineer, Frequency Synthesis

About the role

We are seeking an experienced RF Engineer with deep expertise in frequency synthesis to contribute to D2D and future payload architectures.

Responsibilities

• We deliver hands-on engineering in PLL design, VCO development, and low phase noise reference oscillator systems, including vendor oversight and clock distribution.
• We operate with limited supervision on defined RF programs and apply strong technical judgment to ensure design, integration, and performance success.
• We design and develop frequency synthesis architectures, including PLLs, VCOs, and low phase noise reference oscillator subsystems.
• We perform RF analysis, simulation, and validation to ensure compliance with performance requirements, including phase noise, jitter, and spectral purity.
• We lead schematic capture and design implementation for frequency generation and clock distribution circuits.
• We define and optimize clock distribution networks for low jitter and minimal coupling across RF subsystems.
• We provide technical oversight of oscillator vendors, including specification definition, performance evaluation, and qualification.
• We support integration of RF hardware with reference oscillator systems and spacecraft subsystems.
• We contribute to RF architecture trade studies, particularly around frequency planning, LO generation, and phase noise optimization.
• We interface with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support RF hardware production, validation, and component selection.
• We participate in RF design reviews, test readiness reviews, and anomaly resolution efforts.
• We identify RF performance risks (e.g., phase noise, spurs, coupling) and develop mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• We have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• We have 8+ years of RF engineering experience supporting frequency synthesis hardware.
• We demonstrate expertise in PLL design, VCO design, and reference oscillator selection/integration.
• We have strong experience with clocking systems, frequency generation, and signal integrity.
• We have experience working with vendors and manufacturing partners, including oscillator suppliers.
• We can work independently on defined technical problems with minimal instruction.

Qualifications

• We have experience supporting spacecraft or payload RF frequency generation systems.
• We are familiar with reference oscillator integration and production environments.
• We have a deep understanding of phase noise, jitter, and frequency stability analysis.
• We have strong analytical skills and disciplined documentation practices.
• We can clearly communicate complex RF and frequency synthesis topics to cross-disciplinary teams.

Skills

• We have strong technical skills in RF engineering.
• We have experience with PLL design, VCO design, and reference oscillator selection/integration.
• We have experience with clocking systems, frequency generation, and signal integrity.
• We have experience working with vendors and manufacturing partners, including oscillator suppliers.
• We have strong analytical skills and disciplined documentation practices.

Benefits

Salary range: $141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / 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 $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually.

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.