Job type

Satellite engineer

£20k - £35k

Typical salary

39 – 41

Hours per week

Satellite engineers install and repair telecoms equipment and networks, and satellite systems.

More info

  • Install and repair telecoms equipment and networks, and satellite systems
  • You'll need practical skills to use equipment
  • You could plan and design telecommunications systems

You could get a job with a satellite installation company that works for broadband or mobile phone operators. You could also work for the armed forces.

DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES

  • Surveying a site to plan a job
  • Planning cabling networks
  • Installing and fixing aerials or satellite dishes
  • Checking signal strength
  • Testing equipment
  • Fixing faults
  • Calculating quotes to install new systems
  • You'll need to follow health and safety guidelines

DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT

You may work weekends and evenings and cover emergencies. The job is physically demanding. You'll work at height on roofs, ladders or scaffolding and you'll travel from job to job.

You'll need

This job would be ideal for someone with practical skills to use equipment, the ability to read technical drawings and plans, analytical skills to find and fix faults, maths skills for technical calculations and working out costs.

You can apply directly to installation companies if you have experience or qualifications in telecommunications, electronic or electrical engineering, or electrical equipment servicing.

You could also get started by doing an electrical and electronic service and installation engineer advanced apprenticeship or you could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job. Relevant courses include Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

You can also do short introductory courses in basic satellite and aerial installation through the Confederation of Aerial Industries.

You'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.

CAREER PROSPECTS

With further training, you could plan and design telecommunications systems, or set up a business installing satellite dishes and equipment.