Senior Technical Recruiter

Viasat
$102,500.00 - $176,500.00
United States, California, Carlsbad
6155 El Camino Real (Show on map)
Jan 27, 2026
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 You will: Own the full-cycle recruiting process for cleared software engineering and related technical positions. This includes collaborating closely with hiring managers to determine requirements and develop targeted sourcing strategies. Actively build and maintain pipelines for Secret, TS/SCI, and Polygraph candidates using advanced sourcing tools, niche communities, and strategic partnerships. Your responsibilities include engaging candidates, conducting technical and behavioral assessments, coordinating structured interviews, and guiding hiring teams through balanced and well-grounded decision-making. You will lead all aspects of offer negotiations using a data-driven approach to ensure competitive packages and a positive candidate experience. Additionally, you will draw on industry trends to provide advice to collaborators. You will maintain accurate ATS and CRM records. You will produce reports on key hiring metrics and coordinate efforts with Employer Branding to position Viasat as a preferred workplace. Representing Viasat at cleared hiring events and ensuring strict adherence to compliance and security standards will be integral to your success. The day-to-day As a Senior Technical Recruiter passionate about software engineering roles requiring security clearance, your day begins by partnering closely with hiring managers. You define role requirements, clearance levels, and technical proficiencies. You will develop sourcing strategies and actively engage cleared talent through job boards, Clearance Jobs, LinkedIn, military transition programs, and niche communities. Throughout the day, you will screen candidates for both skill-based and interpersonal suitability, validate clearance status, and prepare detailed candidate summaries for hiring teams. You will coordinate interviews, guide structured assessments, and facilitate debrief sessions to ensure fair and informed decisions. In parallel, you will manage offer negotiations, using market data to craft competitive packages. Regularly, you will update the ATS with accurate candidate status, analyze funnel metrics, and share insights with relevant partners. You will also collaborate with Employer Branding to develop targeted campaigns and serve as a Viasat ambassador at security-cleared recruitment events. Compliance is a top priority, with a focus on maintaining compliance standards, data hygiene, and audit readiness, and partnering with security and HR teams to ensure smooth, compliant hiring processes. What you'll need You must have at least 5 years of end-to-end recruiting experience in agency or corporate sectors. Three or more of those years should focus on sourcing cleared technical candidates (Confidential, TS/SCI, and/or Polygraph). Proven success hiring software engineers (e.g., embedded C/C++, Java, Python, cloud/Kubernetes, Linux, networking/cyber) in Aerospace & Defense / Government contracting or the Intelligence Community. Deep working knowledge of security clearance processes, program sensitivity, and candidate care in a cleared environment. Bachelors degree or higher in business, communication, HR or a related field Proven skill in structured interviewing, assessment alignment, offer planning, and securing candidates in challenging talent environments. Strong, data-driven operating rhythm: pipeline hygiene, funnel analytics, and insight storytelling that influences decisions. Proficiency with ATS/CRM platforms (iCIMS preferred), sourcing tools, and social recruiting. Excellent communication and collaborator management skills-written, verbal, and executive-ready presentations. U.S. Citizenship (role supports U.S. Government hiring. What will help you on the job Proven ability to develop and lead cleared hiring programs at scale, including strategic partnerships with military transition organizations and universities. Proficiency in competitive intelligence and market mapping related to security-cleared technical experts across multiple regions. Certification in Talent Acquisition or HR fields (e.g., AIRS, SHRM-CP, LinkedIn Certified Recruiter). Experience bringing to bear AI sourcing tools and automation workflows to optimize candidate engagement. Background in employer branding strategy for cleared technical roles, including campaign development and measurement of return on investment. Ability to mentor and coach junior recruiters or lead special projects within Talent Acquisition. Expert-level experience with sourcing tools such as HireEZ and LinkedIn Recruiter, and advanced CRM management for talent engagement. Experience in negotiating intricate compensation arrangements for highly cleared technical professionals in competitive markets. Salary range $102,500.00 - $176,500.00 / 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 $127,000.00- $191,000.00/ 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 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.