Mechanical design and Certification Project Engineer

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

The Mechanical design and Certification Project Engineer (MD/CPE) will manage engineering projects to deliver and maintain Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for Viasat's Commercial Aviation In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) products. This role involves ensuring customer technical requirements are met for the integration of satellite communication equipment onto aircraft platforms, including modems, antennas, power supplies, radomes, and passenger user interface software.

The day-to-day

• Lead and influence internal engineering teams, external suppliers, and certification regulatory authorities
• Enable successful certification and installation of the Viasat In-Flight Connectivity System
• Developing structural installations and piece part designs for metallic and composite components
• Maintaining mechanical design documentation, and addressing in-service and manufacturing deviations
• Direct interaction with civil aviation certification authorities, Viasat engineering and program teams, external engineering subcontractors, and a world-wide airline customer base
• Apply mechanical engineering and systems engineering skills within a multi-function engineering team and communicate effectively with customers, partners, and Viasat leadership, while being available for on-call rotation and support critical issues

What you'll need

• 5+ years' experience in mechanical engineering/design, aviation and/or space industries
• 2+ years' experience in project or system engineering
• Demonstrated experience with commercial aviation hardware and software
• Working experience with SolidWorks, or other similar Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) methods and software
• Experience with FAA/EASA STC projects as well as FAA ACO, ODA, DER, DAR processes and procedures
• Proven experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME drawing practices
• Experience with system requirements management and communication to multiple parties
• Familiarity with structural analysis of metallic and/or composite structures
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
• Up to 25% travel
• Available to participate in on-call rotation and support on-cell issues

What will help you on the job

• Validated mechanical engineering/design experience
• Aviation and/or space industries
• Proven ability to coordinate all engineering fields in a project such as mechanical, electrical, software, etc.
• High level of demonstrated expertise with aviation structural installation design
• Experience with solid and surface modeling in Solidworks.
• Experience with aircraft systems, avionics, and wiring
• Experience with system integration and test
• High level of demonstrated expertise with technical writing of engineering documentation
• Experience with engineering drawing practices in aerospace applications
• Highly familiar with aircraft manuals such as SRM, AMM, WDM, IPC etc..
• Familiarity with manufacturing techniques of metallic and/or composite structures
• Familiarity with Material Review Board (MRB) practices
• Familiarity with environmental test methods listed in RTCA DO-160 and MIL-STD-810
• Familiarity with ARINC 429/600/791
• Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations 14CFR Parts 23 and/or 25, or other aircraft certification experience
• Ability to mentor and provide guidance to more junior team members on above topics
• Prefer for this person to sit in our Carlsbad, CA office, but open to remote work locations for the right candidate.

Salary range

$127,000.00 - $201,000.00 / 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 $158,000.00- $237,000.00/ 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
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.