Intern Product & Innovations

MX1

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description


Intern Product & Innovations

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION


The Product & Innovations Intern supports SES's nextgeneration 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 handson 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 softwareenabled monitoring within a live operational satellite network.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern is an individual contributor working under defined technical guidance and supervision, with increasing independence as skills develop. Responsibilities are focused on executing assigned technical tasks, documenting results, and recommending observations or improvements.
1.    Satellite Terminal Build, Integration, and Configuration (30%)
    o    Assemble and integrate satellite gateway and user terminal hardware including anten-nas, RF components, modems, and supporting network equipment.
    o    Configure terminal hardware according to defined engineering guidelines and test plans.
    o    Perform basic troubleshooting of hardware, cabling, and connectivity issues following established procedures.
2.    Modem, Antenna, and Controller Software Operation (15%)
    o    Learn and operate modem interfaces, antenna controller software, and related man-agement user interfaces.
    o    Support configuration, calibration, and verification of antenna pointing and modem pa-rameters.
    o    Assist in identifying configuration or operational issues and escalate findings to supervis-ing engineers.
3.    Terminal Provisioning and Activation on SES mPOWER Network (15%)
    o    Support provisioning, activation, and validation of user terminals on the SES mPOWER satellite network.
    o    Execute predefined activation procedures and validation checklists under supervision.
    o    Verify terminal connectivity, service availability, and basic performance metrics.
4.    Performance Monitoring and Telemetry Collection (15%)
    o    Install, configure, and maintain remote performance monitoring clients on gateways and user terminals.
    o    Collect and review network, modem, and terminal health data including availability, throughput, latency, and error metrics.
    o    Flag anomalies and performance deviations in accordance with defined thresholds.
5.    Documentation and Reporting (15%)
    o    Document hardware builds, software configurations, network topologies, and provision-ing steps.
    o    Prepare periodic performance summaries and test reports for internal engineering and product teams.
    o    Maintain clear, reproducible records to support analysis, troubleshooting, and future de-ployments.
6.    Software Enabled Automation and Integration Support (10%)
    o    Assist with basic scripting, data collection, or integration tasks using Python, APIs, or cloud tools where applicable.
    o    Support proof of concept activities related to automation, monitoring, or data visualiza-tion.
    o    Contribute observations and recommendations to improve workflows or tooling.

COMPETENCIES


Technical Competencies
   Basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addressing, routing, VLANs, throughput, laten-cy).
   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.
Behavioral Competencies
   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 escalate issues appropriately.
   Clear written and verbal communication skills.
   Ability to work collaboratively within cross functional engineering and product teams.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE


Required
   Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engi-neering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
   Foundational knowledge of networking, software, or hardware systems gained through course-work, labs, or internships.
   Ability to work in a hands on lab or field like environment.
Preferred
   Coursework or project experience in satellite communications, RF systems, or wireless network-ing.
   Experience with Python, scripting, REST APIs, or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).
   Familiarity with Linux environments or network monitoring tools.
Experience Level
   Internship or entry level role; prior professional experience is not required.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS


Key Performance Indicators
   Accuracy and completeness of hardware and configuration documentation
   Successful completion of terminal builds, activations, and monitoring deployments
   Quality and clarity of performance reports and technical summaries
Main Interfaces
   Product & Innovations Engineering
   Network Operations and Systems Engineering
   Modem, antenna, and terminal vendors
Specific Projects
   SES mPOWER user terminal bring up and validation
   Gateway and terminal performance monitoring initiatives
   Productization and innovation proof of concept activities

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

For more information on SES, click here.



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Product Development Intern?

A: To succeed as a Product Development Intern, key technical skills include proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git. Soft skills like effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial, as they enable interns to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams and adapt to changing project requirements. By combining these technical and soft skills, interns can effectively contribute to product development, gain valuable industry experience, and build a strong foundation for future career growth in product development or related fields.

Q: What is the career path for a Product Development Intern?

A: A Product Development Intern typically progresses through a career path that includes entry-level roles such as Product Development Engineer or Product Specialist, where they develop and launch new products, and mid-level roles like Product Manager or Senior Product Engineer, where they lead cross-functional teams and drive product innovation. As they gain experience, they can move into senior roles like Director of Product Development or Vice President of Product, overseeing product strategy and development across the organization. Throughout their career, they will have opportunities to develop skills in product design, engineering, project management, and leadership, as well as stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies.



MX1 job posting for a Intern Product & Innovations in Chicago, IL with a salary of $19 to $26 Hourly with a map of Chicago location.