Director - Compensation - Viasat : Job Details

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 thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our Viasat Government People & Culture (P&C) team as a Director, Compensation. This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds: meaningful collaboration in our Carlsbad office and the flexibility of remote work.

The Director, Compensation is responsible for designing, implementing, and governing Viasat Government's (VGOV's) compensation programs to support business performance, workforce equity, and regulatory compliance. This role leads enterprise-wide compensation initiatives—including base pay structures, incentive programs, executive compensation, and pay equity—ensuring alignment with VGOV's mission, values, and talent strategy.

Operating within a complex, regulated defense environment, the Director partners closely with Finance, Legal, Talent, and People Systems to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that attract, retain, and reward top talent. This leader plays a critical role in shaping the employee experience through transparent, competitive, and compliant compensation practices.

Compensation Strategy & Program Design

• Develop and execute VGOV's compensation strategy, including salary structures, incentive plans, and executive compensation frameworks
• Lead annual compensation planning cycles, including budgeting, benchmarking, and pay-for-performance calibration
• Ensure compensation programs are market-aligned, equitable, and responsive to business needs

Governance, Compliance & Analytics

• Maintain governance over job leveling, titling, and compensation architecture in partnership with Talent and Organizational Design
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and defense industry regulations, including audit readiness and pay transparency standards
• Monitor labor market trends and conduct competitive benchmarking to inform compensation decisions
• Deliver compensation analytics and insights to senior leaders and HR stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Talent Management and Organizational Design to align compensation with career frameworks and internal mobility strategies
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to ensure fiscal responsibility and regulatory alignment
• Support HRIS and People Systems teams in integrating compensation data and workflows into enterprise platforms
• Operational Excellence
• Oversee compensation tools, vendor relationships, and systems to ensure efficient program delivery
• Lead compensation-related communications, training, and change management across VGOV
• Serve as a strategic advisor on compensation matters during reorganizations, M&A, and transformation initiatives

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing compensation team
• Set clear goals, foster accountability, and build capabilities to support evolving business needs
• Champion a culture of service excellence, data integrity, and continuous improvement

• Bachelor\u2019s degree in human resources, Finance, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in compensation leadership roles
• Deep expertise in compensation strategy, program design, and regulatory compliance
• Strong analytical, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industries preferred

Understanding and working knowledge of:

• Strategic Compensation Design
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Operational Excellence & Systems Thinking
• Equity, Transparency & Ethical Leadership

$199,500.00 - $315,000.00 / 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 $248,000.00- $372,000.00/ 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

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.