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About the job

About us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What you'll do

ViaSat is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer, MGSE to join our growing space infrastructure team. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, fabrication, analysis, and implementation of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) used to support the integration, testing, transport, and launch of next-generation satellite platforms and non-flight hardware. You will serve as a key technical contributor across the full product lifecycle, solving complex technical problems with minimal guidance while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management.

The ideal candidate combines solid technical expertise in MGSE design and structural analysis with the ability to lead technical directions, support complex engineering projects, and collaborate effectively across teams.

The day-to-day

In this role, you will apply advanced engineering principles to develop reliable, safe, manufacturable, and cost-effective MGSE solutions (including lift slings, turnover carts, transportation fixtures, zero-g deployment fixtures, pneumatics, and handling equipment).

You will:

Lead and support the mechanical design, modeling, and drafting of MGSE hardware using 3D CAD software.

Evaluate trade studies, conceptual designs, and requirements definitions to balance performance, schedule, cost, and safety risks.

Perform structural analysis using both fundamental hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate equipment safety and design integrity.

Support and coordinate MGSE fabrication, proof load testing, acceptance testing, and vendor inspections.

Support end-users during integration and test operations, including process flow development and on-site anomaly resolution.

Develop engineering requirements, specifications, drawings, procedures, and qualification plans for ground equipment.

Participate in Design Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and present technical data to program leadership.

Collaborate closely with systems, thermal, electrical, manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless hardware integration.

Serve as a key technical contributor in mechanical ground support engineering.

What you'll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including demonstrated experience developing spaceflight hardware or Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).

Strong background in designing non-flight integration and test hardware (such as lifting fixtures, handling systems, or transport equipment).

Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling tools (such as Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and drafting standards.

Experience with structural analysis tools and techniques, including hand calculations and FEA software (such as ANSYS, Nastran, or Simcenter).

Experience with fabrication support, proof load testing, and acceptance testing of mechanical structures.

Proven capability to independently solve complex technical problems and guide smaller project initiatives.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical data clearly.

Experience working effectively within cross-functional product development environments.

U.S. Citizenship required.

What will help you on the job

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Direct experience in MGSE design, proof load testing, and launch site integration operations.

Familiarity with dynamic analysis, thermal vacuum, and environmental testing environments.

Knowledge of launch vehicle interfaces, spacecraft integration processes, and safety standards for lifting and handling equipment.

Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, safety margins, and aerospace hardware production.

Experience using Teamcenter, Windchill, or other PLM systems.

Experience managing suppliers and contract manufacturers for ground support equipment.

Knowledge of spaceflight standards, workmanship requirements, and root cause investigation methodologies.

Salary range

$120,500.00 - $190,000.00 / 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 $149,500.00- $224,500.00/ 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 .