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Satellite Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Telesat

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers ...

Telesat

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD

TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers ...

Telesat

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD

TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers ...

Telesat

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers ...

Telesat

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers ...

Lynk

Satellite Systems Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ... The Satellite Operations Engineer at Lynk is a technical systems engineering position pivotal to ...

Lynk

Wireless Engineer - Satellite

Chantilly, VA · On-site

About Lynk Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world ... Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and ...

SAIC

Satellite Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

... satellite systems, including spacecraft bus, payload, and ground subsystems * Translate mission ... Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and operators to develop mission objectives, use cases ...

SAIC

Satellite Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... satellite systems, including spacecraft bus, payload, and ground subsystems * Translate mission ... Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and operators to develop mission objectives, use cases ...

SAIC

Satellite Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... satellite systems, including spacecraft bus, payload, and ground subsystems * Translate mission ... Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and operators to develop mission objectives, use cases ...

AdventHealth

Principal Space Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled ...

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All JobsSatellite Operator JobsSatellite Operator Jobs in Washington

Satellite Operator information

See Washington salary details

$23.8K

$83.8K

$141K

How much do satellite operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite operator in Washington is $83,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a satellite operator?

To become a satellite operator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding satellite systems, radio communication, and control software, along with certifications or training in satellite operations. Experience with technical equipment and strong problem-solving abilities are also important for managing satellite functions effectively.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a satellite operator?

To thrive as a Satellite Operator, you need a solid understanding of satellite communications, orbital mechanics, and technical troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with ground control systems, telemetry software, RF communication tools, and relevant certifications such as COMPTIA Security+ or specific operator licenses are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring continuous, safe, and reliable satellite operations in mission-critical environments.

What does a satellite operator do?

A typical day for a Satellite Operator involves monitoring satellite systems, performing routine checks, executing scheduled maneuvers, and responding to any anomalies or technical issues that arise. Operators often work alongside engineers, mission planners, and technical support teams to maintain optimal satellite health and performance. Depending on the employer, the role may include shift work to ensure 24/7 coverage of satellite missions and may require quick decision-making during unexpected situations. Regular logging of activities, status reporting, and participation in team briefings are also part of the daily workflow. This collaborative environment keeps operations running smoothly and provides valuable learning opportunities for career development.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Operator jobs in Washington? For Satellite Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Satellite Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Satellite Operator job openings:
Satellite Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $83,806 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Antenna and UT System Engineer

Telesat

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years.  Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
The company's state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite.  For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com


The successful candidate will bring engineering expertise in the design and deployment of satellite antennas and user terminals (UTs) for the Telesat Lightspeed Constellation network, supporting both fixed and mobile applications. This role involves complete analysis of terminal antenna options, modem integration, and UT architecture to provide technical inputs for deployment and portfolio development. The candidate will also lead technical relationships with antenna suppliers and participate in design reviews and validation tests. 
 
Resource is required to work onsite from our Bethesda office four (4) days weekly.  
Main Responsibilities
  • Develop technical requirements for LEO Constellation UT antenna technology, including modem integration and antenna architecture 
  • Support the definition of UT antenna and modem requirements, evaluate vendor developed technologies 
  • Interface with and evaluate vendor-proposed terminal designs for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and review integration strategies between antennas and modems for future UT designs 
  • Recommend modifications or new UT designs to achieve cost, performance, and reliability targets 
  • Identify tests to validate system assumptions with antenna and UT prototypes 
  • Help develop supporting documentation, test requirements and compliance matrix for UT Type Approval process 
  • Lead evaluation of antenna technologies, including electronically steerable antennas (ESAs) and novel ESA technologies 
  • Stay current with the latest satellite, 5G antenna design technologies, and open AMIP and open BMIP standards 
  • Perform other duties as required 
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar - required 
    Master's in Engineering - required 
  • PhD with research on electronically steerable antenna design - highly preferred
  • Minimum 10 years in satellite antenna, terminal, and/or satellite system design
  • Experience with ESA design and modem integration is a strong plus
  • Deployment of ESA designed antennas is a strong plus
Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Simulation, design, and testing of electronically steerable antennas for satellite communication 
  • Knowledge of flat panel antenna integration approaches with variety of modem technologies 
  • Familiarity with standardized protocols for antenna control and modem interoperability and communication 
  • Expertise in Ka-band antenna technologies for mobile land, aeronautical, maritime, and fixed applications 
  • Understanding of satellite modems, hub technology, and RF equipment 
  • Strong foundation in electromagnetism and array antenna architecture 
  • Experience with RFIC selection, beamforming, and manufacturing processes for array antennas 
  • Knowledge of antenna control techniques for beam steering and beam shape control 
  • Ability to make design trade-offs between performance, cost, and power consumption 
  • Experience working with suppliers and vendors of antenna and modem technologies 
  • Fluent in English, written and oral 
Working Conditions
  • Resource is required to be in office four (4) days weekly
  • Occasional international travel is required in this role
  • Must qualify for government clearance 
At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace.   We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process.   All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly.  We will work with you to meet your needs.   All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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