Pointing and Tracking Engineer Intern

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

Our team provides the antenna pointing and tracking control systems for Viasat ground and airborne antenna systems. Our team is responsible for real-time positioner control, antenna controller embedded hardware/software, and pointing analysis. Our product provides tracking control for Viasat antennas big and small all over the globe.

The day-to-day

• Planning and writing software features that will increase the capabilities of our systems
• Troubleshoot bugs or service logs to determine corrective actions
• Automating tests to improve our software and hardware quality

Internship Program Details

• Viasat's internship program is site-based. Site‑based employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five‑day work week. 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 Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical 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 to work 40 hours/week for the full duration of the internship program. Limited exceptions may be granted. Viasat offers two cohort options 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:

• Coursework or project experience in at least one of: programming, controls, dynamics, signals/systems, or embedded systems

• Ability to read and write technical documentation (test plans, bug reports, design notes)

• Ability to work with lab hardware (oscilloscope, multimeter, power supplies) or willingness to learn

What will help you on the job

• Coding experience in C/C++, Python and MatLab
• Familiarity with real-time or concurrent programming concepts (threads, interrupts, timing)
• Classes or working knowledge of controls, robotics, and embedded hardware and software
• Coursework in feedback control (PID, state-space, frequency response), dynamics, or system modeling
• Exposure to motors, encoders, servo drives, or motion control

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.