Mechanical Engineering Intern, Viasat Government

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

As a mechanical engineering intern in the Carlsbad, CA office, you will have the opportunity to design, test, and investigate complex drone solutions to support autonomy and data transfer for various applications. Viasat has developed innovative solutions to support the low Size Weight and Power constraints of drone platforms as well as the satellite network capabilities needed to connect these platforms to other users that are beyond line of sight of the platforms.

In this role, you will be responsible for envisioning and designing the drone payloads to include communications and other equipment as well as the interconnectivity of all components on the drone. You will be responsible for conducting various mechanical engineering tasks such as material selection, thermal analysis, structural design, etc. You will be empowered to coordinate with a dynamic, multi-functional team with strong personal ownership and vision.

Internship Program 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.

• Housing and relocation assistance are available to interns pending eligibility.

• To ensure equity across our intern population, intern compensation is pre-determined based on a variety of factors including: role, location, and final graduation date. Intern compensation is non-negotiable.

The day-to-day

This role would focus on design and new development of drone payloads by:

• Design, analysis, review, and justification of new parts, communications systems, and materials
• Investigation and resolution of manufacturability, quality, and supplier issues for components and sub-assemblies
• Creation and validation of test plans and procedures to validate hardware and in-flight performance
• Solving problems with a data-driven, multidisciplinary team approach

What you'll need

Requirements:

• Education:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related technical field

  • Your final graduation date must fall between December 2026 and August 2027

• Internship Dates: You must be available to work 40 hours/week for the full duration of the internship program as outlined in the cohort dates below. Limited exceptions may be granted. Viasat offers two options based on semester and quarter academic calendars:

  • Cohort 1: May 18, 2026 - August 14, 2026

  • Cohort 2: June 22, 2026 - September 18, 2026

• Citizenship: This position requires U.S. citizenship

• Additional:

  • Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or equivalent)

  • Familiarity with simulation tools

  • Fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer

  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite of applications

What will help you on the job

• Communication: Ability to write technical reports and explain designs
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve technical issues
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams

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.