Systems Engineer - Information Assurance (IA)
Viasat
Carlsbad, CA · Posted October 7, 2026
More in California job market · Telecommunications · Engineering jobs
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 149 open systems engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $109,500 to $165,000 and the median is $142,500.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
About the job
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
We are looking for an Information Assurance (IA) Systems Security Engineer who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team! You will have a systems architecture background to support security design and certification on U.S. Government High Assurance communications programs. Provide technical support and oversight as part of a program team's system engineering effort for IA design and development, including security architecture analysis, security requirements definition and allocation and identification of potential security vulnerabilities. Requires generation of security-related documentation per Department of Defense (DOD) standards and leading system security architecture design in a team environment. Background in High Assurance (NSA) Communications Security (COMSEC) and Transmission Security (TRANSEC) design, certification requirements and techniques are required. High Assurance Computer Security (COMPUSEC) requirements background a plus. Support for new security related business development, including proposals, white papers, and presentations, as well as interfacing with Government customers, is required.
The day-to-day
Derive, develop and document system, software and hardware requirements from customer specifications
Own system requirements and system design activities on next generation network encryption devices
Prepare system level material and present at internal and customer reviews
Work with Agile scrum teams to identify develop and prioritize spiral based product features
Knowledge of model based system engineering practices (CAMEO) desired
Collaborate with large geographically diverse multi-disciplinary teams to create next generation products
Generate and collaborate on required design documents, development requirements, specifications and verification protocols
Support qualification of new design by supporting an reviewing system test activities
What you'll need
Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Engineering Discipline
5+ years communication systems design experience
Deep understanding of system engineering processes from requirements to test with experience in managing process activities
Strong understanding of networking protocols highly desired
Must be able to prioritize, be detail oriented, and have history of managing time well to accomplish multiple tasks in parallel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work with a temporally and geographically diverse team
Ability to document and report on technical solutions/findings
Good working knowledge of MS Office products for documentation creation and modification
Desire to be part of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and troubleshoot production related issues
Ability to work independently, take initiative, take ownership of tasks and results
US citizenship and current SECRET security clearance is required
Ability to travel up to 10%
Must be able to work out of our offices in Carlsbad, CA, Tempe, AZ, Linthicum Heights, MD or Marlborough, MA.
What will help you on the job
System security design experience with focus on NSA related efforts, including cryptographic engine embedment
Strong system, software, or test background including design and implementation
Familiarity with design and certification to the latest NSA security requirements and specifications, as well as working knowledge of NSA High Assurance Device (Formerly Type 1) certification and documentation requirements
Familiarity with NIST and FIPS 140-2 Design and Certification
Familiarity with Quantum Resistant Algorithms and SERD 2.0 requirements
Familiarity with Protection Profiles and component evaluation using the Common Criteria process.
Strong system security design experience, including generation of certification documentation, cryptographic embedment, and willingness to lead design for security aspects of cryptographic embedment efforts
Familiar with using requirements traceability tools (e.g. Cameo, DOORS, etc.)
Design for TEMPEST, QUADRANT, and key generator
Experience with DoD RMF Security Control selection, implementation, and assessment
Familiarity with COMSEC & TRANSEC design techniques
#LI-VSAT
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 .
Derive, develop and document system, software and hardware requirements from customer specifications
Own system requirements and system design activities on next generation network encryption devices
Prepare system level material and present at internal and customer reviews
Work with Agile scrum teams to identify develop and prioritize spiral based product features
Knowledge of model based system engineering practices (CAMEO) desired
Collaborate with large geographically diverse multi-disciplinary teams to create next generation products
Generate and collaborate on required design documents, development requirements, specifications and verification protocols
Support qualification of new design by supporting an reviewing system test activities
Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Engineering Discipline
5+ years communication systems design experience
Deep understanding of system engineering processes from requirements to test with experience in managing process activities
Strong understanding of networking protocols highly desired
Must be able to prioritize, be detail oriented, and have history of managing time well to accomplish multiple tasks in parallel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work with a temporally and geographically diverse team
Ability to document and report on technical solutions/findings
Good working knowledge of MS Office products for documentation creation and modification
Desire to be part of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and troubleshoot production related issues
Ability to work independently, take initiative, take ownership of tasks and results
US citizenship and current SECRET security clearance is required
Ability to travel up to 10%
Must be able to work out of our offices in Carlsbad, CA, Tempe, AZ, Linthicum Heights, MD or Marlborough, MA.