20 Viasat Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at Viasat, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience with satellite services, your customer service skills, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You may also be asked questions about your ability to troubleshoot problems and your knowledge of the Viasat product line. To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample Viasat interview questions and answers.

Viasat Interview Process

The interview process at Viasat can vary in length depending on the position you are applying for, but generally speaking it is a fairly lengthy process. There are usually multiple rounds of interviews, both phone and in-person, and sometimes even a skills test or assessment. The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the position, but they are generally pretty challenging. Overall, the experience is generally positive, though it can be quite stressful at times.

1. Can you tell me about your experience with C++ programming?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with programming languages. If you have no prior experience, it’s okay to tell the interviewer that and explain what other programming languages you’re familiar with.

Example: “I’ve worked with C++ in my last two jobs as a software engineer. I find it to be an excellent language for creating applications that are fast and efficient. It’s also very useful when working with large data sets because of its ability to handle memory management. In my current position, I’m responsible for managing our company’s satellite network, which requires me to use C++ on a daily basis.”

2. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Your interviewer will likely want to know that you are aware of your weaknesses and have strategies for improving them. When answering this question, try to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always looking for ways to help others succeed and find solutions to problems. My weakness would be my attention to detail. While I do my best to proofread everything I write or create, sometimes mistakes slip through the cracks. To improve this, I make sure to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.”

3. How do you prioritize when there are conflicting deadlines on multiple projects?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you manage multiple projects and deadlines. Use your answer to highlight your time management skills, ability to meet deadlines and organizational skills.

Example: “I always start by prioritizing my most important tasks for the day or week. I then move on to scheduling my other tasks in order of importance. If there are any conflicts between two or more tasks, I try to find a solution that works for all parties involved. For example, if one task is due sooner than another, but it’s also an important task, I may ask for an extension on the later deadline.”

4. Tell us why you want to work at Viasat.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Viasat and why you are excited to work there. Your answer should include specific details about the company that make it unique or interesting.

Example: “I have always been interested in space, so I am thrilled to be able to work at a company that provides satellite services. I love how innovative Viasat is with its technology and how much they care about providing quality service to customers. I also really enjoy working for a smaller company where I can get to know my coworkers better.”

5. What programming languages are you familiar with?

Viasat uses a variety of programming languages to create their software. Knowing the ones they use can show that you have experience with them and are qualified for the job. If you don’t know any, consider taking a class or researching online to learn more about them.

Example: “I am familiar with Java, C++, Python and JavaScript. I took classes in college where we learned how to program using these languages. I also used them when working on my last project at XYZ Company.”

6. Describe a time where you had to meet a tight deadline, how did you manage it?

This question is a great way to show your ability to work under pressure and how you manage it. When answering this question, make sure to highlight the steps you took to meet the deadline while also highlighting your skills and abilities.

Example: “In my last position as an IT specialist for a large company, I was tasked with updating all of our computers to Windows 10 by the end of the year. This meant that I had to update over 1,000 computers in just two months. To do this, I scheduled weekly meetings with each department head to discuss their computer needs and when they would be ready. Then, I assigned employees to different tasks based on their skill sets. In the end, we were able to complete the task ahead of schedule.”

7. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is a test of your problem-solving skills and ability to apply them in the workplace. Your answer should show that you can think critically, analyze data and make decisions based on facts.

Example: “I would first identify what kind of assembly line it was—one where parts are assembled into a final product or one where products move through an assembly line for quality control. Then I would determine how many workers were needed for each task and whether they need training. If so, I would develop a training program with clear instructions and checklists to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities.”

8. Do you have experience working in a team environment?

This question is a great way to determine how well you work with others. Employers want team players who are willing to collaborate and share their ideas. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you worked in a team environment. This can help the interviewer understand your experience level working in teams.

Example: “I have plenty of experience working in a team environment. In my last position as an IT specialist, I was part of a large team that included other specialists and managers. We would often meet together to discuss our projects and offer advice or suggestions for one another. It’s always beneficial to get feedback from your peers.”

9. We want our engineers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your work ethic and how you feel about working independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some past experiences where you worked on projects or assignments without direct supervision.

Example: “I have had several opportunities in my career to work independently, and I find that I thrive in those situations. In fact, I prefer it because I am able to focus more on my work when there isn’t someone looking over my shoulder. I think I would be a good fit for this type of environment at Viasat.”

10. What is your experience with designing and testing mechanical components?

This question can help the interviewer determine your mechanical engineering experience. Use examples from previous projects to show how you used your skills and creativity to solve problems, improve designs or create new components.

Example: “In my last position as a mechanical engineer, I worked with a team of engineers to design and test a new type of satellite antenna that could withstand extreme weather conditions. The company wanted to develop an antenna that was more durable than current models so it could be used in areas where there were high winds and rain. We tested several prototypes until we found one that could withstand harsh weather conditions.”

11. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your passion for engineering. It also helps them understand which area of Viasat you would be most interested in working with. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an aspect of satellite technology that interests you and why.

Example: “I am very passionate about space exploration and I have always been fascinated by the idea of traveling through space. As such, I find satellites fascinating because they allow us to explore our universe from Earth. I think working at Viasat would give me the opportunity to work on projects that help advance space travel.”

12. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with your team and whether you prefer to work independently or in a group. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and collaboration, but also have the ability to complete projects on your own if necessary.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as often as possible when working on a project. I find it helpful to bounce ideas off of others and get feedback from them so we can all learn more about each other’s perspectives. However, sometimes there are times when I need to focus on a task without interruption. In those cases, I make sure to communicate clearly what I’m doing and when I’ll be available again.”

13. Describe your experience working with mechanical components.

This question is a great way to assess your mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot. It’s also an opportunity for you to show the interviewer that you’re willing to learn new skills.

Example: “I’ve worked with mechanical components in my previous role as a network engineer, but I’m always looking to improve my knowledge of how they work. When I first started working at Viasat, I took advantage of our training program to learn more about mechanical components. I learned how to use tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes to test circuits and diagnose problems.”

14. Designing systems that can withstand extreme environments is very important to us. Tell me about a time you designed something intended for an extreme environment.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can apply them to an important industry. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the steps you took to ensure the product or system was safe for use in extreme environments.

Example: “I once designed a solar panel that could withstand high winds. I started by researching different types of wind speeds and what they would do to a solar panel. Then, I used my knowledge of materials to find ones that were strong enough to withstand those conditions. After testing the panels, I found that they could withstand up to 100 mph winds.”

15. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills. It also allows you to demonstrate how you used critical thinking and logic to find the best solution.

Example: “When I was working as an IT specialist, my manager asked me to help with a server issue that was causing problems for several departments. The first thing I did was gather all of the information about the problem from each department. Then, I analyzed the data and determined that there were two issues going on at once. One was a software issue, while the other was a hardware issue. After determining this, I worked with my team to fix both issues.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict in the workplace. It’s important that your answer shows that you can work with others and resolve issues effectively.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a team project where we had to create an ad campaign for a new product. My teammate and I disagreed about what kind of message we should be sending out to our target audience. We talked it through and came up with a compromise. In the end, we both agreed that this was the best decision.”

17. What is your experience with designing and releasing software?

Viasat is a technology company that uses software to create and manage its satellite services. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with designing, testing and releasing software products.

Example: “I have worked on several projects where I was responsible for creating new features or fixing bugs in existing ones. In my last role as a senior developer, I led a team of developers who were working on a project to improve the functionality of an existing application. We had to test our code thoroughly before we released it to ensure there weren’t any errors. After two months of development, we launched the new version of the app.”

18. Provide an example of a software development project you have worked on.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your technical skills. You can describe a project you worked on that required you to use specific software development tools and how you used them to complete the project successfully.

Example: “In my last role, I was tasked with creating a new system for managing customer accounts. The company wanted to create a more efficient way of tracking client information so they could better serve their customers. I created a database using Microsoft Access where we could store all of our clients’ account information. This allowed us to easily access important data about each client and helped us provide better service.”

19. Have you ever been late on delivering a project? What caused the delay?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to manage time and meet deadlines. Use examples from previous work experience where you were able to overcome a delay or challenge that caused you to be late on delivering a project.

Example: “In my last role, I was working on a team of five people who were all responsible for different aspects of one large project. We had set a deadline of two weeks to complete our tasks, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we weren’t able to finish in time. Instead of rushing through the project, we decided to take an extra day to ensure it was done right. In the end, we delivered the project within 24 hours of the deadline.”

20. Why is it important to keep up-to-date with current trends in technology?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the field and how you can contribute to a company that focuses on innovation. Your answer should include examples of how you’ve used new technology to improve processes or solve problems.

Example: “I believe it’s important to keep up-to-date with current trends in technology because it allows me to learn about new tools and resources I can use to help my clients. For example, when I was working as a freelance web designer, I noticed many companies were looking for ways to create mobile-friendly websites. So, I took some time to research responsive design and learned how to implement it into my work. This helped me gain more clients and expand my client base.”