Space Mission Operator Intern, Part-Time (Fall 2026/Spring 2027) & Full-Time (Summer 2027)

ViaSat Inc.; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 78,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Job summary

Viasat is seeking an aerospace engineering intern to support command, telemetry, and health of a satellite platform. You will operate a spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit and work onsite from North Logan, UT with a blended schedule through May/June 2027 and transition to full-time during the summer internship program.

Requirements include pursuing a Bachelor's in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, U.S. citizenship, and familiarity with Python or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Available part-time from December through May/June and then full-time for the duration of the summer 2027 internship program.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Basic understanding of satellite subsystems (Power, ADCS, Comms) and familiarity with Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Define scheduling constraints related to spacecraft bus operations (power, thermal, attitude control).
• Develop and test command sequencing logic for autonomous satellite operation, ensuring accurate timing for slews and data downlinks.
• Model and integrate constraints for GEO relay and Direct-to-Earth links into the optimization framework (visibility windows, data rate).
• Participate in hardware/software-in-the-loop testing of the mission planning system.
• Document operational procedures for future mission operators.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

About Us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

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.

• We are looking for someone within commutable distance from the North Logan, UT office to work part time onsite as soon as possible through May/June 2027, and then transition to full time/onsite during our summer internship program**

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.
• 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.