Intern Product & Innovations

Intern Product & Innovations

Requisition Number: 19899

Contract Type:
Internship/trainee

Location(s):
Chicago, IL, US

The Product & Innovations Intern supports SES’s next‑generation satellite services by building, integrating, and operating satellite gateway and user terminal systems. This role contributes directly to the validation, deployment, and performance evaluation of SES mPOWER user terminals and associated infrastructure. The intern will gain hands‑on experience with satellite antennas, modems, network provisioning, and performance monitoring tools while supporting product development and innovation initiatives.

The position uniquely combines hardware integration, network operations, and software‑enabled monitoring within a live operational satellite network.

• Satellite Terminal Build, Integration, and Configuration (30%)
  • Assemble and integrate satellite gateway and user terminal hardware including antennas, RF components, modems, and supporting network equipment.
  • Configure terminal hardware according to defined engineering guidelines and test plans.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of hardware, cabling, and connectivity issues following established procedures.
• Modem, Antenna, and Controller Software Operation (15%)
  • Learn and operate modem interfaces, antenna controller software, and related management user interfaces.
  • Support configuration, calibration, and verification of antenna pointing and modem parameters.
  • Assist in identifying configuration or operational issues and escalates findings to supervising engineers.
• Terminal Provisioning and Activation on SES mPOWER Network (15%)
  • Support provisioning, activation, and validation of user terminals on the SES mPOWER satellite network.
  • Execute predefined activation procedures and validation checklists under supervision.
  • Verify terminal connectivity, service availability, and basic performance metrics.
• Performance Monitoring and Telemetry Collection (15%)
  • Install, configure, and maintain remote performance monitoring clients on gateways and user terminals.
  • Collect and review network, modem, and terminal health data including availability, throughput, latency, and error metrics.
  • Flag anomalies and performance deviations in accordance with defined thresholds.
• Documentation and Reporting (15%)
  • Document hardware builds, software configurations, network topologies, and provisioning steps.
  • Prepare periodic performance summaries and test reports for internal engineering and product teams.
  • Maintain clear, reproducible records to support analysis, troubleshooting, and future deployments.
• Software Enabled Automation and Integration Support (10%)
  • Assist with basic scripting, data collection, or integration tasks using Python, APIs, or cloud tools where applicable.
  • Support proof of concept activities related to automation, monitoring, or data visualization.
  • Contribute observations and recommendations to improve workflows or tooling.

• Basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addressing, routing, VLANs, throughput, latency).
• Interest in satellite communications, RF systems, or wireless networking.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and interpret engineering documentation.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn hardware integration and lab practices.
• Exposure to Python scripting, APIs, AWS, or cloud based tools is a strong plus.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn complex systems in a hands on environment.
• Problem solving mindset with the ability to elevate issues appropriately.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross functional engineering and product teams.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of networking, software, or hardware systems gained through coursework, labs, or internships.
• Ability to work in a hands on lab or field like environment.

• Cour…