What do you do at Viasat?

I’m a software engineer on the RF Environment Generation team. My role entails working on a lot of embedded/low-level software, front-end/GUI software, and some FPGA/programmable logic code.

What unique challenge or problem have you worked on here at Viasat?

My team develops systems that generate RF environments in real-time to simulate realistic scenarios. For example, our system can generate radio signals that look exactly like 20 planes trying to simultaneously communicate with each other. It’s an interesting challenge to design and implement new features since these systems are very complex, and you also get to see various emergent phenomena from such open-ended systems. Our systems can reproduce essentially any feasible scenario, so in order to design for wide use-case flexibility, we encounter odd edge-cases that might not be common or feasible in realistic practice.

How would you describe Viasat’s culture?

I usually use the word “chill” when describing life at Viasat. It might be a cliché, but I really appreciate the emphasis on work-life balance. The company fosters an atmosphere that prioritizes doing what you love, both inside and outside of work. Interacting with other people at Viasat is always pleasant because they know you as more than a coworker. I appreciate that we have opportunities for on-campus leisure with fellow employees, like playing basketball or having “happy hours” with food and drinks.

Viasat also allows flexibility on a more individual level, whether it’s dressing casually, working my own daily schedule, or even working from home. My bedtimes may be irresponsible sometimes (well, most of the time), but I’m glad that I’m trusted to get my work done without micromanagement.

What do you like about your team?

My team is relatively small, which means I get to have a meaningful role in the projects I work on and a meaningful closeness with my teammates. I enjoy having the opportunity to work with and learn from them. Their knowledge and experience helps me grow into the person I want to be.

What makes working at Viasat different from your other experiences?

When someone asks me what I do, I find that I don’t want to be solely defined by my work or career; rather, I’d also like to speak to other passions in my life. Viasat stands out in allowing me to feel whole in this sense. I do meaningful work that I find interesting and challenging, but I also can spend time on other non-work endeavors that I find fulfilling. I’ve also enjoyed enriching mentorship experiences and supportive coworkers.. I’m fortunate to not only have room to push myself to grow, but to also have other people who push me to grow.

What excites you most about your job?

In both my team and Viasat as a whole, I appreciate being given the opportunity to try out different types of interesting work. As a relatively young engineer, I find it reassuring that as long as I’m motivated, I can continue to grow and avoid stagnation here.