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Satellite engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Satellite systems technician

Satellite engineers install and repair telecoms equipment and satellite systems.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

on call occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Satellite engineer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

College

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
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get started by doing an electrical and electronic service and installation engineer advanced apprenticeship or a space engineering technician higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to installation companies if you have experience or qualifications from roles like:

  • telecommunications
  • electronic or electrical engineering
  • electrical equipment servicing

Other Routes

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

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a satellite engineer from the Confederation of Aerial Industries and Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • the ability to repair machines or systems
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll usually need a driving licence to travel from job to job.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • survey a site to plan a job
  • work out where cabling networks will go
  • install and fix aerials or satellite dishes
  • check signal strength
  • test equipment and fix faults
  • calculate quotes to install new systems

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Satellite engineer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

HNC Engineering (Electrical & Electronic)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Castleford

Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Part-time)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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