Software Engineer Intern - Lab Infrastructure Automation

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

Join our team at Viasat, where we address global challenges with innovative solutions and offer outstanding growth opportunities. As a Software Engineer Intern - Lab Infrastructure Automation, you will bridge the gap between physical hardware and software automation. You will help build and code the infrastructure that allows our world-class lab environments to dynamically adapt to complex testing needs.

The day-to-day

Development & Automation (50%)

• Develop and validate Python scripts to communicate with the REST API of the Layer 1 switch.
• Build logic to map specific switch ports to distinct lab environments (e.g., "Move AP #4 to the Performance Test Lab").
• Troubleshoot code execution and handle API response errors.

Lab Infrastructure & Hardware (30%)

• Arrange and install network equipment in the datacenter or lab environment.
• Install and arrange Ethernet cabling connecting Access Points (APs) to the Layer 1 switch ports.
• Label physical cables and ports to match the digital inventory and build specifications.

Collaboration & Documentation (20%)

• Participate in build reviews with senior engineers to ensure the automation meets lab requirements.
• Document API wrappers and physical topology diagrams.
• Build a "How-To" guide for other engineers to use the new tool once deployed.

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.

What you'll need

Requirements:

• Education:
  
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, engineering or a related field
  • To be eligible for this position 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

Additional:

• Previous experience with Python, specifically for scripting and/or automation tasks
• Basic understanding of networking
• Comfortable racking, stacking, and cabling

What will help you on the job

• Experience with Network Automation tools (Ansible, Netmiko)
• Prior exposure to lab environments or test bench setups
• Knowledge of electrical safety and datacenter guidelines
• Experience with libraries such as requests or urllib for API interaction
• Understanding of RESTful APIs and how to parse JSON/XML data to control hardware devices programmatically.
• Familiarity with Git or similar tools for managing code revisions
• Solid understanding of the OSI model, with a specific focus on Layer 1 (Physical) connectivity and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of port configuration, link status, and basic network topology
• Comfort working in a command-line environment (CLI) to complete scripts and solve system connectivity
• Proficiency in positioning and configuring network equipment (1U/2U switches) and maintaining power connections.
• Experience with or willingness to learn accurate cabling standards (Ethernet/Fiber), including dressing cables for airflow and organization
• Attention to detail for labeling ports, cables, and devices to match documentation
• Ability to write clear, concise documentation for code (comments/READMEs) and operational procedures (runbooks)
• Interest in troubleshooting physical connectivity issues versus software logic errors

This is an outstanding opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and collaborative environment, working alongside proven experts to successfully implement innovative solutions. Apply now and be part of our journey to deliver flawless network integration!

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.