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Spectrum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Spectrum Engineer information

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$25.5K

$105.6K

$146.5K

How much do spectrum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for spectrum engineer in the United States is $105,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spectrum engineer?

Spectrum Engineers are professionals who manage, analyze, and optimize the use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure efficient and interference-free communication. They work with wireless technologies, regulatory agencies, and equipment manufacturers to allocate frequencies, resolve interference issues, and comply with regulations. Their expertise is essential for industries such as telecommunications, broadcasting, and defense, where reliable wireless communication is critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spectrum engineer?

To thrive as a Spectrum Engineer, you need a strong background in radio frequency (RF) engineering, telecommunications, and knowledge of spectrum management principles, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with spectrum analysis tools, RF modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards such as those from the FCC or ITU is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with stakeholders and solving complex spectrum allocation challenges. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient spectrum utilization, regulatory compliance, and optimal performance of wireless communication systems.

How does a spectrum engineer typically collaborate with regulatory bodies and other engineering teams within an organization?

Spectrum Engineers often work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with frequency allocation and licensing requirements. Within an organization, they regularly coordinate with RF engineers, network planners, and product development teams to optimize spectrum usage and resolve interference issues. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service and developing innovative solutions that adhere to both technical and legal standards. Strong communication skills and up-to-date knowledge of regulations are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Spectrum Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSpectrum EngineerRF Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related; certifications like FCC licensingBachelor's in Electrical or Electronics Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, broadcast, wireless service providersWireless carriers, telecommunications, electronics manufacturing
Industry UsageFocuses on spectrum management, allocation, and interference analysisDesigns and tests radio frequency circuits and systems

While both roles involve working with radio frequencies, Spectrum Engineers primarily manage spectrum allocation and interference issues, whereas RF Engineers focus on designing and testing RF hardware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the telecommunications industry.

More about Spectrum Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Spectrum Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Spectrum Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Spectrum Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spectrum Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Spectrum Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,647 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Senior Spectrum Engineer, Regulatory Affairs

Viasat, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$224K - $336K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Viasat rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 99 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

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

As a pivotal member of Viasat's global regulatory team, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge satellite engineering and complex international policy. In this high-impact role, you will champion Viasat’s technical interests on the world stage, ensuring our global network expands smoothly and operates without harmful radio frequency interference.

You will serve as a key technical advocate and strategic advisor, translating highly complex spectrum constraints into actionable business intelligence for executive leadership. Whether you are spearheading bilateral coordination strategies with foreign administrations, modeling advanced interference scenarios, or helping shape next-generation standards at 3GPP and the ITU, your work will directly secure and protect the critical spectrum assets that power Viasat’s global connectivity.


The day-to-day

Lead and contribute to Viasat efforts in several of the following areas.

  • Engineering analysis on spectrum and regulatory matters for satellite services, including:
  • Preparation of FCC filings to apply for market access and licenses for Viasat satellites, Earth stations and services
  • Technical aspects of market access and licensing activities globally
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU) frequency coordination of Viasat satellite networks in various frequency bands
  • Meetings of regulatory committees and working groups on frequency allocation and spectrum sharing matters, for example within the ITU and CITEL
  • Representing Viasat at
    • Frequency coordination meetings with other satellite operators and administrations
    • International meetings (ITU, CITEL, etc.) and U.S. national preparations for such meetings
    • Standardization bodies, such as 3GPP and ETSI 
  • Interacting with the FCC, Viasat’s ITU filing administrations and other spectrum regulators as required
  • Advising Viasat’s market development, commercial and engineering teams, as well as senior management, on regulatory opportunities and risks
  • Working closely with other teams within the company (business, technical, legal, etc.) in the above areas.

What you'll need
  • 10+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, science, math or another related technical discipline
  • Excellent knowledge of satellite communications systems, including link budgets, general radio theory and basic orbital mechanics
  • Knowledge of the ITU Radio Regulations and related national regulations, including satellites coordination processes
  • Knowledge and experience of FCC regulations and procedures
  • Knowledge of non-satellite wireless products, services and technologies
  • Understanding of policy and regulatory issues in the satellite sector, especially with regard to licensing and market access
  • Programming and interference analysis skills 
  • Travel is required up to 10-20%
  • US Citizenship is required 

What will help you on the job
  • Database Familiarity: Practical experience querying and navigating the ITU Space Network Systems (SNS) database or the FCC’s Licensing and Management System (LMS).
  • Multi-Orbit & Next-Gen Architecture: Deep technical understanding of non-geostationary (NGSO) constellation dynamics, spectrum sharing paradigms, or emerging satellite-to-cell (Direct-to-Device) frameworks.

Salary range
$180,500.00 - $285,000.00 / 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 $224,500.00- $336,500.00/ 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.

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, science, math or another related technical discipline
  • Excellent knowledge of satellite communications systems, including link budgets, general radio theory and basic orbital mechanics
  • Knowledge of the ITU Radio Regulations and related national regulations, including satellites coordination processes
  • Knowledge and experience of FCC regulations and procedures
  • Knowledge of non-satellite wireless products, services and technologies
  • Understanding of policy and regulatory issues in the satellite sector, especially with regard to licensing and market access
  • Programming and interference analysis skills 
  • Travel is required up to 10-20%
  • US Citizenship is required 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986