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 are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Sourcing Manager to join our dynamic Space Systems team in Carlsbad, CA! This hybrid role offers the unique blend of working collaboratively within our Carlsbad office and the flexibility of remote work. Are you ready to lead sourcing strategies that power the next generation of space systems? As the Strategic Sourcing Manager for Space Systems, you will be at the forefront of Viasat’s most advanced satellite and ground network programs. This role is pivotal in managing the full spacecraft acquisition lifecycle—from requirements definition and source selection to contract negotiation, development, and on-orbit delivery. You’ll work across the enterprise to align sourcing strategies with mission-critical objectives, ensuring technical excellence, supplier performance, and cost-effective execution. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of aerospace connectivity while building long-term supplier partnerships and leading a high-performing sourcing team. The day-to-day Lead all phases of the spacecraft acquisition lifecycle, including strategy development, source selection, contract negotiation, and delivery. Develop and execute sourcing strategies for semiconductors, spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch services, and AI&T. Evaluate space vehicle systems (bus and payloads) for technology readiness, production scalability, supply chain maturity, and space heritage. Prepare RFPs for both COTS and custom-designed components requiring NRE, design reviews, and space qualification. Build and manage strategic supplier relationships across the semiconductor and space systems industries. Collaborate with engineering, legal, program management, and supply chain teams to align sourcing strategies with technical and business goals. Conduct supplier risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for critical components. Monitor supplier performance, ensuring compliance with quality, delivery, and contractual obligations. Stay current on advancements in semiconductor packaging, flip chip technology, free-space optics, and space-qualified manufacturing. Serve as the primary interface between internal stakeholders, prime contractors, subcontractors, and government agencies. What you'll need 10+ years of aerospace industry experience, including 5+ years in program management or acquisition roles for space systems. 7+ years of experience in semiconductor and space systems supply chain management. Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. Strong understanding of spacecraft design, development, manufacturing, and testing processes. Deep knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, flip chip, EMS, and free-space optics. Familiarity with mission assurance, space-qualified standards, and radiation-hardened electronics. Proven leadership in managing multi-disciplinary teams and supplier relationships. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior leadership. Ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally. What will help you on the job Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline or MBA. Direct experience in the space or semiconductor industry. Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle/SAP) and PLM tools (e.g., Agile). Experience in high-mix, low-volume environments with stringent reliability requirements. Experience with government and commercial contracting, including FAR, DFARS, and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). Experience preparing Price and Cost Analysis Reports (PCARs) in collaboration with engineering and program teams. Working knowledge of ITAR and other regulatory frameworks. Experience evaluating and synthesizing prime contractor and government customer RFP requirements for flow-downs to subcontractors. Experience Managing complex Sub-Contracting efforts. Salary range $131,500.00 - $207,500.00 / 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 $163,500.00- $245,500.00/ 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.