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Satellite Communication Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Data Engineer III

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

Company Overview Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world ... As a Data Engineer III, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality work that advances ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Company Overview Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world ... As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will focus primarily on Network Quality of Service from an ...

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned network engineer who enjoys working with enterprise-scale infrastructure, satellite communications systems, cybersecurity requirements, and advanced ...

Showing results 41-60

Satellite Communication Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$58.2K

$105.4K

$152.4K

How much do satellite communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite communication engineer in Arizona is $105,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $132,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite communication engineer do?

A Satellite Communication Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining communication systems that use satellites to transmit and receive data, voice, and video signals. They work on the technical aspects of satellite networks, including uplink and downlink frequencies, modulation schemes, and ground station equipment. Their work ensures reliable and efficient communication for applications such as television broadcasting, internet access, military operations, and disaster response. Satellite Communication Engineers also troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and may be involved in the development of new technologies to improve satellite communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite communication engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Communication Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or telecommunications engineering, strong knowledge of RF (radio frequency) principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with satellite ground station equipment, modulation/demodulation systems, and industry certifications such as CCNA or SATCOM-specific credentials are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout professionals apart. These skills are crucial for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex satellite communication systems that ensure reliable global connectivity.

What are some common challenges satellite communication engineers face when working with ground station equipment?

Satellite Communication Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining reliable connectivity in adverse weather conditions. Troubleshooting these issues requires a strong understanding of RF systems and the ability to collaborate with network and hardware teams. Additionally, staying updated on the latest satellite protocols and regulatory requirements is essential for ensuring compliance and optimal performance. Effective communication with operations and support staff is key to resolving issues quickly and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Satellite Communication Engineer vs Satellite Systems Technician?

AspectSatellite Communication EngineerSatellite Systems Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field; certifications like CCNA, Cisco, or RF certificationsDiploma or associate degree in Electronics or Telecommunications; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee satellite communication systems; often in offices or labsInstall, maintain, and repair satellite equipment; fieldwork and on-site troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom companies, satellite service providers, aerospace firmsSatellite service providers, telecom companies, maintenance firms

Satellite Communication Engineers focus on designing and developing satellite systems, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, Satellite Systems Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in the satellite industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Satellite Communication Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Satellite Communication Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Satellite Communication Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,357 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

$110K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global voice and data network, delivering reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth. For more than 20 years, Iridium has powered mission-critical communications for governments, businesses, aviation, maritime, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things.
Now part of Iridium, Aireon is the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system, providing real-time visibility of aircraft over oceans, the poles, and remote regions. Together, Iridium and Aireon are helping build a safer, more connected, and more efficient future for global aviation.
Join our team and help shape how the world stays connected. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where employees are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact.
What We're Looking For:
If you are experienced in data engineering, cloud-based data platforms, and enterprise data modernization, and have 5+ years of experience designing and supporting scalable data solutions, then you will be excited about the Data Engineer opening with Iridium on our Enterprise Data team. As a Data Engineer III, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality work that advances Iridium's enterprise data modernization and consolidation initiatives, ensuring scalable, reliable, and secure data foundations that support evolving business needs. In this role, you will focus primarily on designing and optimizing cloud-based data pipelines, ingestion frameworks, and data models that power analytics, reporting, operational insights, and more real-time data delivery, including modernization of QoS-related data pipelines. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working with cross-functional partners, and building high-quality data infrastructure that drives strategic decision-making.
What You'll Do:
  • Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of scalable, reliable, and efficient data pipelines and ETL processes
  • Build and enhance data ingestion frameworks using AWS services such as Glue and DataSync, along with platforms including Snowflake and DBT
  • Support the implementation of strategies for ingesting structured and unstructured data from databases, APIs, and streaming sources, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and security
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues related to data pipelines and ingestion processes
  • Develop and maintain data models to support analytics, reporting, and cross-functional business needs
  • Ensure adherence to data governance, compliance requirements, and security best practices
  • Monitor, maintain, and optimize the health and performance of the data infrastructure to proactively identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies
  • Work with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into scalable data solutions
  • Support the onboarding and integration of QoS data initiatives, enabling more real-time operational visibility

What You'll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in data engineering
  • Prior experience in effectively collaborating and communicating with engineering teams and business stakeholders to build and maintain productive working relationships
  • Strong proficiency in Snowflake, DBT, SQL, Python, and modern ETL/ELT frameworks
  • Experience with data pipeline design, data modeling, streaming and batch ingestion technologies such as Kafka and NiFi/Openflow
  • Hands-on experience with AWS cloud services and data quality, governance, and performance-tuning practices
  • Ability to translate business requirements into scalable data architectures
  • Telecom or satellite industry experience is a plus
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to set personal priorities and assist others in executing assigned tasks, with guidance; proactively communicates bandwidth issues to manager
  • Good communication skills, with the ability to comfortably present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups within your team
  • Able to create, edit, and structure documents with minimal guidance
  • Demonstrates active listening and asks substantive, thought-provoking questions
  • Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand key outputs of data analysis, make routine decisions using data, and recognize and propose solutions to issues
  • Proactive in providing formal and informal feedback to peers and managers
  • Facilitates teamwork, positively impacts team/peer group, and demonstrates ownership of assigned tasks and activities
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • Experience with data orchestration tools such as Airflow
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, or data quality frameworks
  • AWS certifications or Snowflake certifications
We'll also need you to:
  • Be able to work in the office at least 80% of the time (4 days per week) to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
  • Be on call
  • Must be a US Person

Work Environment:
This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.
We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least four days per week (approximately 80%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.
Additional Information
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.
Base Pay Range: $90,000 - $130,000 USD
Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.