Satellite communications systems engineers are responsible to maintain and troubleshoot the technology systems associated with satellites.
They may also work on cross-functional teams that consist of other engineers and technicians to design new programs or improve existing ones.
The tasks performed by a satellite communications systems engineer will vary depending on the project they are assigned, the company they work for, and their own experience level.
They install, operate, and/or design solutions of tactical satellite systems, large earth stations (teleports), and mobile satellite systems. They may also supervise engineers or technicians with less experience or lead cross-functional teams to meet a mission’s goal.
Satellite communications systems engineers are also responsible to ensure a satellite’s systems hit target operational performance rates (uptime rates) through best practices of maintenance. They take corrective action when needed and identify areas of future improvement.
Analysts report the next era of satellite communications is upon us in the form of low-earth-orbit constellations aiming to revolutionize personal connectivity, according to satellite experts. These new satellite swarms are being driven by technology innovations simultaneously with the growth of less-expensive launch services.
The result has already been and will continue to be an explosion in the number and type of orbiters serving their earthbound hosts while raising the bar for support technologies on the ground.
With the overall satellite communications (SATCOM) field becoming more dynamic, companies are compelled to be more flexible as uncertainties increase. Accordingly, they are hedging their bets and exploring the use of orbiters that can be replaced or upgraded relatively easily, as opposed to complex and expensive platforms that last many years but take just as long to design and, if necessary, replace.
The result is a spurt in the number of low-earth-orbit satellites that introduce new capabilities for SATCOM services. In other words, low-earth-orbit mega constellations are predicted to disrupt legacy providers and bring new services online to connect the unconnected world.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Advanced Satellite Communications Systems Training, a 3-day comprehensive technical training covering all aspects of satellite technology, system survey, systems engineering as applied to satellite communications, hardware, software, applications, digital communications and processing in modern satellite networks, IP convergence, optimization and management.
Participants will learn about the fundamentals of satellites, advanced planning, analysis, architecture and design, reliability, ground control systems, earth stations, operation and maintenance, logistics of the satellite systems and their major segments and components.