Because telecommunications technology is a complex and evolving field, satellite companies look for employees with degrees in both general and applied areas of science and technology, as well as experience working with telecommunications engineering. For most jobs with communication satellite manufacturers, a higher education credential is necessary.

In addition to an advanced degree, satellite manufacturers education and training may include online courses in satellite technology and installation to get started in the field, or conferences and seminars to advance your knowledge. Commercial satellite distributors often attend several conferences annually to market their products, as well as learn about upcoming satellite technologies.

Begin your satellite manufacturers education and training with the following resources:

1. Enroll in online coursework to familiarize yourself with the work of communication satellite manufacturers.
2. Get a higher education degree in telecommunications technology to prepare for work with commercial satellite manufacturers.
3. Keep in touch with satellite suppliers and technology through annual conferences.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the basics of satellite dish manufacturers through online coursework

When preparing for work with a satellite maker, consider online courses as an option for getting to know the basics of satellite technology or installation. Many higher level positions with telecommunications companies require several years of previous experience, and basic online coursework can help you become more familiar with satellites and prepare for entry-level work.

I recommend: Galileo VSAT Training teaches you the basics about satellite components and installation. The Applied Technology Institute offers several more advanced courses in satellite technology that can help you prepare for additional work with satellite dish manufacturers or an advanced degree.

Get an applied degree for working with commercial satellite manufacturers

Most commercial satellite manufacturers prefer to hire employees with advanced degrees in general or applied sciences and technology, and one popular and fast-growing area is telecommunications engineering. A telecommunications engineering degree will help prepare you to work in the complex and evolving industry of telecommunications, including satellite design and manufacture.

I recommend: To prepare for work with a telecommunications satellite manufacturer, consider the telecommunications engineering technology degree program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Another option is The University of Texas at Dallas program in telecommunications engineering, which also prepares students to work with a satellite maker or telecom firm.

Continue your satellite manufacturers education and training with annual conferences

The majority of satellite manufacturers have representation at a number of annual conferences in the satellite and telecom industry. Whether you are attending to network and market new developments or learn about cutting edge satellite technology, annual conferences are effective training events for professionals in the field.

I recommend: Continue your education from satellite manufacturers and developers attending annual conferences. While several options exist nationally and internationally, Satellite and Content Delivery Conference & Expo (SATCON) and the satellite conference sponsored by Satellite Today are two examples of conferences that occur every year.

Despite the hard times that occasionally afflict the U.S. airline industry, satellite companies are still finding new business there.

That’s because a number of major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines, are introducing new broadband wireless Internet access on all or part of their domestic fleets, according to The New York Times. The company the airlines are hiring to provide this new service is Aircell, a satellite network provider that uses a combination of ground-based cellular technology and satellite technology to deliver this cost-effective solution. Aircell plans to use Iridium Satellite LLC, a satellite operator, to introduce similar service globally in the near future. Aircell, Iridium, and the telecom satellite maker all stand to benefit from the increased demand.

In a nutshell, that is how the satellite industry works.

A corporation interested in setting up a new corporate satellite data network to connect new offices around the world, for example, would contact a satellite network service provider. They, in turn, would turn to a satellite operator, who owns and operates the satellites in space. Then, demand flows to the satellite manufacturers, who produce and deliver both new satellites and the satellite components for use with them.

Commercial satellite manufacturers meet the following challenges to deliver new satellites to their customers:

1. The satellite maker must design, test and build the satellite to the exact specifications necessary to deliver the required services.
2. The satellite must be rigorous enough to withstand the harsh conditions in space and during launch aboard a rocket.
3. They deliver the satellite to the launch provider.
4. Finally, satellite suppliers place the satellite in orbit, completely operational and ready for use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Let commercial satellite manufacturers supply your network in space

Communication satellite manufacturers provide the satellites for global communications, including voice, data and video for applications such as regional or global corporate satellite data networks. Space science, weather, military and government uses are also common.

I recommend: Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems advertises itself as the world’s leading manufacturer of geostationary satellites. Orbital designs and builds satellites for science purposes, among others. They partner with agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). For satellite radio manufacturers and satellite TV, look no further than Loral Space & Communications. Lockheed Martin Corporation is a telecommunications satellite manufacturer, and contracts with the U.S. government, military and NASA. A good place to learn more is JSAT International Inc., a satellite operator who provides general information to market their satellite network capabilities.

Satellite receiver manufacturers provide satellite earth stations and necessary components

Satellite antenna manufacturers provide the hardware on earth to connect to the satellites in space. Applications include satellite news gathering (SNG) and satellite communications and broadcast reception in the air, on the seas, and on the ground.

I recommend: Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a telecom satellite maker, including satellite earth stations. One specialty, through the Radyne division, is satellite news gathering (SNG). Comtech Antenna Systems, Inc. produces satellite antennas for customers around the world. Datron Advanced Technologies Inc. manufactures high bandwidth-capable ground stations, antennas, and imaging system products for air, ship and ground use.

Satellite dish manufacturers provide quality satellite TV capabilities

Satellite dish manufacturers provide the satellite TV companies with their dishes. They also supply dealers for free-to-air (FTA) satellite television.

I recommend: HomeVision (Digiwave) Technology Inc. manufactures Digiwave satellite dishes for free-to-air (FTA) satellite TV. Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC) is a Taiwan-based satellite dish manufacturer that supplies DIRECTV, Inc. with high-definition (HD) dishes, providing the following DIRECTV HD service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Satellite manufacturers provide each satellite with a 'footprint,' or coverage area over parts of the earth. Geostationary orbits provide continuous coverage over one section of the globe, while low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites would require an integrated network to do the same. Compare different footprints available for exactly what you need.

Satellite manufacturers key terms are an important element of the business. No matter how you plan to use a satellite, they all have a few things in common. First, satellites are in space. This may seem basic, but it's important to remember as you work with satellite manufacturers because research and development must initially occur before the satellite is launched. Second, satellites work across the globe. If you need to communicate with offices in multiple states, or even multiple continents, your satellite manufacturer can help you. Third, satellites send important information back to the proper location. It's important that you have the proper equipment so you can receive the information. Whether your goal is to create and launch a satellite to compete with cable companies nationwide or meet the needs of a large corporation, you need to know the key terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Geostationary satellites

Geostationary satellites are effective tools in civil, military and commercial space activities. They provide up-to-date information about weather, GPS and even military communications.

I recommend: Boeing provides details about its geostationary satellites and their functions.

In-orbit technology demonstrations

Satellite manufacturers, like other manufacturers, must prove the technology works. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through in-orbit technology demonstrations.

I recommend: Orbital describes how its in-orbit technology demonstrations help test new technology.

Satellite News Gathering (SNG)

Satellite News Gathering (SNG) is what broadcasters use to beam news updates across the globe. News reports from foreign countries are easily sent back to the station's hub thanks to satellites and SNG.

I recommend: Advent recounts how it helped make SNG possible during the first Gulf War.

LNB, or LNC

LNB stands for low noise block. It's the device that sticks out from the satellite dish to convert a wide band of frequencies into the images that we see and hear. It's also referred to as an LNC, or low noise converter.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ explains the purpose of an LNB and describes the different types available.

Antenna

Antennas are frequently necessary for the satellite to obtain the best reception. Many different types of antennas are available, from collapsible antennas to polar-mounted antennas.

I recommend: The product literature section at Comtech Antenna Systems describes different types of satellite antennas. Some pages also offer photos.

1080p

1080p is a type of high-definition resolution. If satellites offer 1080p resolution, it refers to a high-definition picture with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

I recommend: SatelliteTVGuru.net provides a detailed description of 1080p.