Hardware Engineer (PWB / PWA Design), Early Career
Viasat
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Carlsbad, CA · Posted October 28, 2026
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Where Carlsbad, CA ranks
Where Carlsbad, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #9Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast61% · of 71
- #18Best cities for mid-career professionals61% · of 100
- #21Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the West Coast145 openings · of 60
- #24Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast31 jobs · of 47
- #24Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast13% · of 53
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer hardware engineers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer hardware engineers: 15% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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
This is a role for a hardware engineer who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will help design, document, implement, prototype, and test cutting edge high speed digital circuit boards for encrypted communications systems including Layer 2 and Layer 3 In-line Network Encryptors, and embedded cryptographic devices. You will interface and collaborate with system, programmable logic, software, and test engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service. In addition, you will provide support to production and product support to help support operational networks when support is required from development.
The day-to-day
Designing, prototyping, and testing high speed (up to 10GbE) digital circuit boards to include microprocessor, FPGA, memory, networking, optical, and power supply components
Design for manufacture, assembly, and test
Modeling and simulation, schematic, CAD, and signal propagation software tools using Mentor Graphic DxDesigner, Expedition/Planner, and Hyperlynx
Work with test equipment – lab bench power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, eye pattern analyzers, and traffic generators
Work with technology suppliers and subcontractors
Additional Details
This position is site-based. Site ‑ based employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five ‑ day work week. Viasat embraces a flexible work environment and onsite/hybrid work is determined by individual roles and teams. Relocation assistance is available pending eligibility.
What you'll need
Education: Completion of Bachelor's Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Experience: This role is intended for someone with 0-3 years of full-time, relevant industry experience
Citizenship: This position requires U.S. Citizenship
Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance
Additional: Familiarity with microprocessor, FPGA, memory, networking, optical, and power supply components
Understand basic concepts of design for manufacture, assembly, and test
Proficient with, or able to rapidly learn, use of test equipment – lab bench power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, eye pattern analyzers, and traffic generators
The ability to prioritize tasks, meet schedule and see a program to completion
Strong organizational skills and ability to work with system, hardware, firmware, software, and test teams
What will help you on the job
Experience with modeling and simulation, schematic, CAD, or signal propagation software tools using Mentor Graphic DxDesigner, Expedition/Planner, and Hyperlynx
Knowledge of encryption and information assurance technologies
Knowledge of network communication concepts
Knowledge of Make or buy analysis
General understanding of market needs and customer use cases
Masters’ degree in Electrical Engineering
Active Secret clearance
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet schedule and see a program to completion.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work with system, hardware, firmware, software, and test teams
Knowledge of encryption and information assurance technologies
Knowledge of network communication concepts
Trade study and analysis
Ability to travel, up to 10%
Salary range
$85,000.00 - $134,000.00 / 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 $105,500.00- $158,500.00/ 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 careers.viasat.com/LifeAtViasat/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 .
Designing, prototyping, and testing high speed (up to 10GbE) digital circuit boards to include microprocessor, FPGA, memory, networking, optical, and power supply components
Design for manufacture, assembly, and test
Modeling and simulation, schematic, CAD, and signal propagation software tools using Mentor Graphic DxDesigner, Expedition/Planner, and Hyperlynx
Work with test equipment – lab bench power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, eye pattern analyzers, and traffic generators
Work with technology suppliers and subcontractors
Additional Details
This position is site-based. Site ‑ based employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five ‑ day work week. Viasat embraces a flexible work environment and onsite/hybrid work is determined by individual roles and teams. Relocation assistance is available pending eligibility.
Education: Completion of Bachelor's Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Experience: This role is intended for someone with 0-3 years of full-time, relevant industry experience
Citizenship: This position requires U.S. Citizenship
Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Clearance
Additional: Familiarity with microprocessor, FPGA, memory, networking, optical, and power supply components
Understand basic concepts of design for manufacture, assembly, and test
Proficient with, or able to rapidly learn, use of test equipment – lab bench power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, eye pattern analyzers, and traffic generators
The ability to prioritize tasks, meet schedule and see a program to completion
Strong organizational skills and ability to work with system, hardware, firmware, software, and test teams