Performance test engineer h1.location_city

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 thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for an onsite Test Engineer to join our dynamic team in Tempe, AZ!

You will provide hands-on engineering support to diagnose and resolve complex performance anomalies—such as thermal, vibration, and vacuum issues—while leading a team of technicians and junior engineers toward consistent testing excellence. Beyond technical troubleshooting, you will collaborate with contract manufacturers to maintain specialized equipment, optimize testing lifecycles, and advocate for the resources needed to ensure the timely delivery of flight-ready modules.

The day-to-day

• Provide comprehensive engineering support for the production of Viasat products, specifically focusing on space-qualified hardware.

• Assist the Design and Systems Engineering teams in conducting environmental tests and analyzing performance data.

• Diagnose and resolve technical issues related to environmental performance (e.g., thermal, vibration, or vacuum testing anomalies).

• Collaborate with contract manufacturers to ensure all specialized test equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.

• Ensuring all space hardware meets strict quality and performance benchmarks.

• Provide daily guidance and technical leadership to technicians and junior test engineers to ensure consistent testing standards.

• Act as the primary point of contact between the Engineering team and the production floor to streamline communication.

• Identify and implement process changes to increase efficiency in the testing lifecycle.

• Evaluate and advocate for necessary resource needs to ensure the timely delivery of flight-ready modules.

• Work alongside manufacturing partners to identify potential production bottlenecks and develop proactive solutions.

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or an Associate degree supplemented by equivalent professional experience.
• 4+ years of experience in environmental testing, specifically including hands-on work with vibration, thermo-vacuum, and pyroshock test procedures.
• Experience in environmental testing, specifically including hands-on work with vibration, thermo-vacuum, and pyroshock test procedures.
• Success in this role requires strong mechanical engineering skills to design specialized test fixtures and the technical literacy to interpret complex environmental specifications.
• Proficiency in operating and managing specialized hardware, including vibration tables, temperature chambers, thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers, and various data logging systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and provide technical direction to other test engineers and technicians.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential, with a proven ability to communicate technical data clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• US government position. US citizenship required.
• Up to 10% travel required.

What will help you on the job

• Knowledge of environmental test as it pertains to RF and electronic products.
• Ability to perform mechanical design in Solidworks, AutoCad, or related design tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and mechanical stress analysis.

Salary range

$99,500.00 - $157,000.00 / 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 $123,500.00- $185,500.00/ 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.