Space Mission Operator Intern, Part-Time

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

This intern role will focus on the commanding, telemetry, and overall health of the satellite platform and its communication links. You will operate and command a spacecraft flying in Low Earth Orbit that is demonstrating new technologies to be used in modernizing mission communications for NASA and other space mission operators.

The day-to-day

You will perform the following functions to help ensure a successfully executed space mission:

• Assist in defining the scheduling constraints related to spacecraft bus operations, including power, thermal, and attitude control system limitations.
• Develop and test command sequencing logic that the autonomous system will use to operate the satellite, ensuring accurate timing for slews, data downlinks, and power modes.
• Model and integrate the constraints associated with both GEO relay and Direct-to-Earth (DTE) communication links into the existing optimization framework. This includes defining visibility windows and data rate constraints.
• Participate in hardware/software-in-the-loop (HIL/SIL) testing of the mission planning system to validate operational commands and telemetry processing.
• Document operational procedures for future mission operators

Additional Details

• You will work onsite at a Viasat office location for the duration of your internship. Viasat embraces a flexible work environment and onsite/hybrid work is determined by individual roles and teams.
• To ensure equity across our intern population, intern compensation is pre-determined based on a variety of factors including: role, location, and degree level. Intern compensation is non-negotiable.
• Housing assistance is available pending eligibility.

What you'll need

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. To be eligible for this position, your final graduation date must fall between December 2027 and August 2028.
• Internship Dates: You must be available part-time from December through May/June and then full-time for the duration of the summer 2027 internship program. Note limited exceptions may be granted. Viasat offers two options for the full-time internship based on semester and quarter academic calendars: Cohort 1: May 17, 2027 – August 6, 2027
• Cohort 2: June 21, 2027 – September 10, 2027
• Citizenship: This position requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Additional: Basic understanding of satellite subsystems (Power, ADCS, Comms).
• Familiarity with programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python or MATLAB).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

What will help you on the job

• Familiarity with orbital dynamics, mission operations, and spacecraft systems.

Salary range

$20.91 - $56.97 / hourly.

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 $25.96 - $67.07/ hourly

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 careers.viasat.com/LifeAtViasat/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 .