Technical illustrator Jobs in Oceanside, CA

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’re looking for a Technical Writer who wants more than a documentation role—someone who will be embed directly with our Secure Network Systems (SNS) engineering team, helping shape how complex systems are understood, delivered, and maintained.

In this role, you will:

• Turn complex hardware, software, and network concepts into clear, user-friendly documentation
• Create and maintain guides like installation manuals, system architecture docs, and data flow diagrams
• Collaborate directly with engineers, program managers, and cross-functional teams
• Help shape documentation standards and improve how we share knowledge across teams
• Work with modern tools and platforms (Agile workflows, wikis, repositories, and more)
• Enable engineering teams to deliver faster and more efficiently through clear, high-quality documentation
• Translate complex systems (networking, security, hardware/software) into accessible, actionable content

Serve as a trusted partner to engineers and program managers.

Career Growth

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Grow into a documentation lead or strategist
• Build expertise in secure communications and advanced networking systems
• Mentor other writers and shape documentation best practices
• Expand influence across programs and engineering organizations

The day-to-day

What You’ll Do

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including:
• Installation, operation, and maintenance manuals
• Security configurations and plans
• System architecture and interface documentation
• Data flow diagrams and technical deliverables
• Collaborate closely with engineers and program teams to gather, interpret, and validate technical information
• Lead documentation efforts across multiple projects within the Secure Network Systems (SNS) organization
• Establish and enforce documentation standards aligned with industry frameworks (DoD, NIST, ISO)
• Manage and organize content across documentation tools and repositories (e.g., wikis, SharePoint, version-controlled systems)
• Support Agile development environments and evolving technical requirements

This is an embedded role. You’ll work directly within engineering teams—building context quickly, establishing trust, and playing a key role in how work gets delivered.

Why This Role Is Unique

• Mission impact – Your work supports secure communications used in real-world, high-stakes environments
• Embedded collaboration – Work directly within engineering teams, not as a detached service organization
• Ownership & Influence – Lead documentation strategy and execution for key programs
• Cross-functional exposure – Collaborate with engineers, architects, and program leaders
• Portfolio-building & Variety – Create documentation you’ll be proud to show, ranging a broad variety of content types and subjects

What you'll need

Requirements

• Current Security Clearance
• Willingness to work onsite in Carlsbad and collaborate across teams

Required Qualifications

• Experience creating technical documentation for software, hardware, or networked systems
• Strong curiosity and the ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts
• Excellent writing, interviewing, and analytical skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and program teams
• Strong ability to work independently and maintain deadlines
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office tools (including Visio)
• Experience with Adobe tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• U.S. citizenship (required for this role)

Tools & Environment

You’ll work in a modern, collaborative environment using:

• Documentation repositories and platforms (AI, GitHub, Confluence, SharePoint, Wikis)
• Creative software from Adobe, MadCap, Microsoft 365, SolidWorks, and others
• Version control and content management tools
• Agile workflows and cross-functional collaboration
• Engineering artifacts such as schematics, architecture diagrams, and interface documents

What will help you on the job

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with networking, cybersecurity, or system architecture
• Familiarity with DoD, NIST, or ISO documentation standards
• Experience working in Agile environments
• Familiarity with tools such as:
• Confluence, SharePoint, or wiki platforms
• Version control systems (e.g., Oricle Agile, Perforce)
• Exposure to CAD tools, diagrams, or visual storytelling
• Experience with technical diagrams and structured documentation formats

What Makes You Stand Out

• You enjoy learning how systems work — not just documenting them
• You’re comfortable talking to engineers and translating their expertise into something clear
• You care about good documentation, not just getting the job done

Salary range

$82,000.00 - $129,500.00 / 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 $102,000.00- $153,000.00/ 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.