CPT Pilot Jobs
Pilot roles present a specific CPT challenge: flight training hours logged through your aviation program count toward CPT authorization, but your DSO must confirm the position is an integral part of your degree curriculum. Commercial and regional airline CPT positions typically require FAA certification milestones aligned with your school's approved training plan.
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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.
Join our Satellite Control Center team in Tempe or Carlsbad and become part of the force behind Viasat’s innovative satellite operations. You’ll have the outstanding opportunity to control and operate some of the industry’s most innovative geostationary satellites. This position places you at the heart of our mission to deliver high-speed internet across the globe, including previously unserved areas, by integrating with our first-of-its-kind ground network. This role not only exposes you to innovative satellite technology but also offers the chance to work with a team of engineers passionate about growing global internet access.
The day-to-day
Working alongside a Viasat's Lead Satellite Control Engineer, you will:
- Monitor and command the Viasat fleet of satellites.
- Help operate and conduct daily functions to support the TT&C ground network.
- Coordinate solving activities and respond to satellite and network alarms.
- Participate in spacecraft anomaly analysis, reporting, and the development of custom automation tools that improve operations efficiency.
- Currently enrolled in a higher education program (technical program, community college, or university) in one of the following fields: Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Math or related field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft OS and Office products.
- Availability to work part-time on a rotating shift schedule, including holidays, weekends, and occasional night shifts, for a 12-month dedication with the possibility of extension.
- A keen curiosity about space and a strive to learn and build.
What will help you on the job
- Laboratory or internship experience related to aerospace or electronic systems, particularly if it includes work with satellite operations.
- Background or curiosity about scripting to include Python programming to assist in the creation and optimization of automation tools.
- Currently a second to third year or newly graduated student entering a graduate program, especially those with military or commercial experience in satellite operations.
Salary range
$22.84 - $36.06 / 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 $28.37 - $42.79/ 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.
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Get Access To All JobsPilot CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Pilot role qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if your aviation degree program includes an approved practical training component. Your DSO must confirm that the pilot position directly integrates with your curriculum, not just that it's related to aviation broadly. Programs accredited under FAA Part 141 or university-affiliated flight schools typically have clearer pathways to CPT authorization for flight crew and pilot training roles.
Does CPT authorization allow me to log FAA flight hours toward certification?
Yes, flight hours logged during authorized CPT employment count toward FAA certification requirements. Your training contract or offer letter should specify the aircraft categories and operations covered. Confirm with your DSO that the CPT authorization period covers the full duration of the FAA milestone you're working toward, since CPT is semester-specific and must be renewed if your training extends beyond the authorized term.
What documentation does my DSO need to authorize CPT for a Pilot job?
Your DSO typically requires an offer letter describing your specific flight duties, confirmation that the employer is E-Verify enrolled, and evidence that the position is required by or integral to your degree program. Some schools also require a curriculum mapping document showing how the pilot role connects to specific course objectives. Check your school's SEVP-approved program requirements before submitting.
Will working as a Pilot on CPT affect my future H-1B eligibility?
CPT itself doesn't affect H-1B eligibility, but pilot roles require careful specialty occupation documentation under H-1B. The role must require a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Using 12 or more months of full-time CPT exhausts your OPT eligibility entirely, which eliminates the post-graduation work authorization buffer you'd typically rely on while waiting for H-1B cap selection.
How do I find aviation employers that hire F-1 students on CPT?
Search Migrate Mate to identify aviation employers with CPT-compatible hiring structures. Look for regional carriers, Part 141 flight academies, and charter operators that have posted roles specifying F-1 or CPT authorization. Cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for the Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers SOC code to confirm your targeted role's typical degree requirements align with your program.
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