Science & ResearchISCO 2152

Satellite engineer

Satellite engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of satellite systems and satellite programmes. They may also develop software programs, collect and research data, and test the satellite systems. Satellite engineers can also develop systems to command and control satellites. They monitor satellites for issues and report on the behaviour of the satellite in orbit.

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Rate 5 of the 19 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

troubleshoot

perform scientific research

log transmitter readings

use technical drawing software

monitor satellites

About satellite engineer

As a satellite engineer, you will be involved in the complete lifecycle of satellite development, from initial design and testing through manufacturing oversight to deployment and on-orbit operations. Your responsibilities include developing satellite systems and subsystems, creating technical drawings and specifications, overseeing manufacturing quality, and monitoring satellite performance in orbit. You will apply engineering principles and aerospace expertise to solve complex challenges in space systems, ensuring that satellites meet stringent reliability and performance standards. This highly technical role requires expertise in systems engineering, knowledge of various satellite types, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Poland's growing interest in space technology and satellite systems creates opportunities for satellite engineers in both government programs and commercial ventures. You will contribute to critical applications such as Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation systems, and scientific research. Your work ensures that satellites function reliably in the harsh space environment, enabling essential services that benefit society and the economy.

The career offers excellent compensation, the opportunity to work on innovative and impactful projects, and potential for international collaboration. Satellite engineers can specialize in particular satellite types or subsystems, such as propulsion, power systems, communications, or thermal management. With experience and advanced qualifications, you can advance to senior engineer or program manager roles. The combination of technical challenge, impact, and career growth makes this an attractive career path in Poland's expanding aerospace and space sector.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a satellite engineer.

Satellite System Design and Development

Apply engineering principles and aerospace engineering expertise to develop satellite systems that meet mission requirements
Design subsystems including power, propulsion, thermal management, communications, and attitude control for satellites
Create technical drawings and engineering specifications using CAD software that define satellite architecture and component requirements
Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses to optimize satellite design for cost, performance, and reliability

Testing and Quality Assurance

Design and execute comprehensive testing protocols to validate satellite systems and subsystems meet performance standards
Perform environmental testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation, and electromagnetic compatibility tests
Inspect quality of products throughout manufacturing and assembly phases to ensure compliance with specifications
Document test results and manage configuration to track changes and ensure traceability throughout the satellite lifecycle

Manufacturing Oversight and Project Management

Oversee manufacturing processes to ensure satellite components and systems are produced according to specifications and quality standards
Review technical drawings and engineering designs to identify potential manufacturing challenges and design improvements
Manage supplier relationships and coordinate with manufacturing teams to address issues and maintain production schedules
Prepare technical documentation and reports for stakeholders including launch readiness reviews and mission planning

Satellite Operations and On-Orbit Monitoring

Monitor satellite performance in orbit by logging transmitter readings and analyzing telemetry data
Track satellite health and behavior to identify anomalies and implement corrective actions
Develop and optimize command and control systems for satellite commanding and monitoring from ground stations
Evaluate global navigation satellite system performance parameters and other mission-critical metrics

Research, Analysis and Continuous Improvement

Perform scientific research on satellite technologies, components, and manufacturing processes to improve future designs
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and adjust engineering designs based on test results and operational experience
Identify emerging satellite types and technologies relevant to national and commercial space programs
Apply quality standards and best practices throughout all phases of satellite development and operations

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (19)

production processesproduction processesMaterials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.manufacturing processesmanufacturing processesThe steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.industrial engineeringindustrial engineeringThe field of engineering concerned with the development, improvement, and implementation of complex processes and systems of knowledge, people, equipment, etc.unmanned air systemsunmanned air systemsThe systems used to remotely control unmanned aerial vehicles by onboard computers or by a pilot on the ground or in the air.types of satellitestypes of satellitesThe different types of satellites used for communications, streaming services, surveillance, and scientific research.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.log transmitter readingslog transmitter readingsLog transmitter observations such as calibrations of remote control equipment, equipment performance measurements, antenna field strength measurements, and other readings.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.monitor satellitesmonitor satellitesAnalyse ground systems and investigate any anomalous behavior of satellites. Develop the right corrective measures, and implement where necessary.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.global navigation satellite system performance parametersglobal navigation satellite system performance parametersThe performance parameters for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the requirements that any GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.launching of satellites into orbitlaunching of satellites into orbitThe different procedures, phases, and requirements for launching satellites into orbit.geostationary satellitesgeostationary satellitesThe functioning and purpose of geostationary satellites, their movement in the same direction as rotation of the Earth, and their application for telecommunication and commercial purposes.approve engineering designapprove engineering designGive consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.technical drawingstechnical drawingsDrawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.aerospace engineeringaerospace engineeringThe engineering discipline that combines various technologies and engineering disciplines such as avionics, materials science and aerodynamics in order to design, develop and manufacture aircraft, spa...

Optional (28) — show

model based system engineeringmodel based system engineeringModel-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a methodology for systems engineering that uses visual modelling as the primary means of communicating information. It is focused on creating and exploiting d...material mechanicsmaterial mechanicsThe behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.design principlesdesign principlesThe elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.scientific computingscientific computingThe interdisciplinary field between computer science, mathematics and engineering. It concerns the employment of technical approaches and theoretical frameworks, and the use of computers, to address i...aerodynamicsaerodynamicsThe scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are...CAE softwareCAE softwareThe software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.mechanical engineeringmechanical engineeringDiscipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.guidance, navigation and controlguidance, navigation and controlThe engineering discipline that deals with the design and development of systems that can control the motion of automobiles, ships, space- and aircraft. It includes control over vehicle's trajectory f...defense systemdefense systemThe various weapons and weapon systems used to protect citizens and to harm or shield incoming enemies and enemy weapons.synthetic natural environmentsynthetic natural environmentThe simulation and representation of components of physical world such as climate, wheather and space where military systems exist in order to obtain information and perform tests.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...develop computer vision systemdevelop computer vision systemApply and combine different computer vision tools and methods such as image acquisition, image processing, image segmentation and classification, detection, etc. in one system to allow computers to ex...plan space satellite missionsplan space satellite missionsPlan missions to either launch, release, or capture satellites in orbit. Plan launch windows for each one of these activities and the steps required for a successful mission, such as preparation of la...apply advanced manufacturingapply advanced manufacturingImprove production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs, and changeovers of products and processes using relevant advanced, innovative, and cutting edge technology.create a product's virtual modelcreate a product's virtual modelCreate a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.oversee assembly operationsoversee assembly operationsGive technical instructions to assembly workers and control their progress to ensure compliance with quality standards and to check that the goals set in the production plan are met.build a product's physical modelbuild a product's physical modelBuild a model of the product out of wood, clay or other materials by using hand or electrical tools.use CAM softwareuse CAM softwareUse computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.design prototypesdesign prototypesDesign prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.conduct performance testsconduct performance testsConduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditi...execute feasibility studyexecute feasibility studyPerform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the p...research satellite launch sitesresearch satellite launch sitesResearch the suitability and adequacy of selected satellite launch sites. Analyse the launch site in relation to the purpose and requirements of the anticipated operation.develop test proceduresdevelop test proceduresDevelop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of products, systems, and components.analyse production processes for improvementanalyse production processes for improvementAnalyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.control productioncontrol productionPlan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.fluid mechanicsfluid mechanicsThe characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a satellite engineer do?

What skills does a satellite engineer need?

A satellite engineer needs 19 essential skills, including production processes, engineering principles, manufacturing processes, quality standards, industrial engineering.

Will AI replace satellite engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for satellite engineer is 77/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: log transmitter readings, record test data, quality standards. Most resilient: synthetic natural environment, launching of satellites into orbit, types of satellites.

AI Replacement Risk

77/ 100

Very High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

log transmitter readings record test data quality standards

Skills resilient to automation

synthetic natural environment launching of satellites into orbit types of satellites

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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research

ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals

Essential Skills19

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