Manager, Aviation & UAV Standards

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.

We're excited to announce a dynamic opportunity for a talented Manager, Aviation & UAV Standards to join our growing team! This role offers the flexibility and convenience of fully remote work, allowing you to contribute from anywhere in the United States.

As the Manager, Aviation & UAV Standards, you will serve as Viasat's lead subject matter expert on global aviation safety regulations and standards for the UAS, RPAS, and AAM/IAM sectors. In this pivotal role, you will guide the development of the Velaris service-a safety-grade datalink for BVLOS operations-while representing Viasat within international regulatory working groups. This position requires a deep understanding of evolving industry standards and established relationships with global aviation safety bodies to ensure our products remain compliant and competitive.

The ideal candidate is a high-standing industry thought leader and self-starter capable of navigating an undefined future landscape with minimal direction. You will act as a strategic advisor to C-suite leadership, articulating how the Velaris portfolio aligns with the shifting regulatory environment. Beyond strategy, you will mentor junior staff on satellite communications and the intricacies of standards development. Joining this enthusiastic team offers the opportunity to make a substantial, lasting impact on the global future of air transportation.

• Track the development of all international regulations, standards, and guidance related to UAS / RPAS / AAM / IAM, particularly those related to required performance characteristics for the C2 link. Advise the business to ensure the Velaris service and product line will meet or exceed all requirements.
• Contribute to the development / maturation of standards by participating in the relevant RTCA, EUROCAE, ASTM, and GSMA working groups.
• Represent Viasat on ICAO's AAM- and RPAS-related panels and working groups. This includes contributing technical subject matter information, as well as occasionally presenting updates to ICAO panels and working groups, and at ICAO-sponsored industry events.
• Identify and respond to all relevant international RFIs, for example proposals for spectrum allocation for UAS / RPAS / AAM / IAM vehicles.
• Respond to international aviation safety rulemaking proposals. Advise the relevant aviation authorities on Viasat's, and the broader C2 link connectivity service providers', realistic capabilities.
• Speak at tradeshows and on virtual webinars / podcasts as an SME on the current UAS / RPAS / AAM / IAM regulatory environment, and on Viasat's role in the evolving ecosystem.
• Administrative account management for relevant aviation safety memberships and standards groups.
• Support similar activities, as needed, for Viasat's AOS business (traditional commercial aviation).
• Support AOS on coordinated legislative priorities for AAM.
• Act as a dedicated mentor to junior staff, fostering professional growth by providing guidance on industry regulations, satellite communication fundamentals, and best practices for navigating complex standards environments.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Communications engineering preferred.
• Experience working with aviation standards development organizations such as FAA, RTCA, EUROCAE, and ASTM.
• Detailed knowledge of ICAO's role, organizational structure, and guidance development processes.
• Detailed knowledge of global aviation safety rulemaking processes.
• Comfort in speaking before very large, international audiences. Both in-person and via recorded virtual presentation.
• Ability to travel regionally and internationally up to 25% of the time.

• Experience working with the GSMA, and knowledge of 3GPP standards.
• Direct participation in RTCA SC-228, EUROCAE WG-105, and/or ASTM F38.
• Experience directly supporting one or more ICAO working groups or panels.
• Familiarity with CANSO, particularly their AAM- and UTM integration- related activities.
• Knowledge of ITU and regional / state spectrum allocation processes.
• Former experience working for, or closely with, a CAA or ATSP.
• Thorough knowledge of satcom, specifically L-band satcom's, role in aviation safety history.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment with teams located in different geographical locations. Experience supporting technical teams with low levels of English speaking / writing.

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.