What does a Satellite Technician do?

A Satellite Technician installs and repairs satellite dishes, typically for internet or television signals. They are the point of contact with customers, showing up at the scheduled time and working quickly and safely to get people connected with their desired services. They also diagnose and resolve technical problems as they occur during service. A good Satellite Technician will be able to secure the faith of customers by setting up their service, answering questions and offering solutions in the form of upselling new products and describing current promotions. In this way, a Satellite Technician can drive sales and help retain customers for years.

Satellite Technician skills and qualifications

A well-qualified Satellite Technician must have certain skills and qualifications. These often include:

• Analytical and mathematical skills to effectively troubleshoot
• Required certifications or licenses needed to install satellites according to local laws and company policies
• Ability to read, comprehend and carefully follow detailed instructions, such as schematics and electrical diagrams
• An empathetic and motivated attitude when faced with customer dilemmas
• Ability to drive, carry equipment and stand for hours
• Ability to use technology and power tools, sometimes while standing on a ladder, while following the appropriate safety protocols
• Communication skills to facilitate effective dialogue with customers and colleagues and to generate reports
• Manual dexterity and attention to detail to successfully perform installations and repairs

Satellite Technician experience requirements

Satellite Technicians are generally required to have at least a year of in-field experience in the communications industry, preferably working directly with satellite equipment. A technician may qualify for a position if they have sufficient educational experience to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their job. Each company is responsible for determining their experience requirements based on the company’s needs and local and federal certification regulations.

Satellite Technician education and training requirements

A Satellite Technician may have few or extensive educational requirements, depending on the company offering the position. While some employers are happy to take on entry-level technicians with little experience and no professional education, others require a high-caliber candidate to complete a bachelor’s degree program in the communications field. Satellite Technician careers can propel up the ladder by earning certification in satellite installation, such as with the Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) online training and certification program.

Satellite Technician salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Satellite Technician is $16.45 an hour.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Satellite Technician isn’t quite who you need to hire, look into these similar positions:

• Customer service representative
• IT technician
• Network technician
• Technical support specialist

Satellite Technician job description FAQs

How long does it typically take to perform a satellite dish installation?

Depending on the location of the dish to be installed, the skill of the technician, the type of equipment and the system it’s being installed in, it usually takes between two to three hours to install.

Can a Satellite Technician be an independent contractor?

Yes, many communications companies choose to hire independent contractors instead of hiring a permanent installation technician. An independent contractor may or may not perform services for several companies at a time, depending on those companies’ policies.

What should I look for in a Satellite Technician’s resume?

One of the most important aspects to consider when seeking the ideal candidate is the amount of experience, education and industry knowledge they possess. Pay close attention to what specialized programs they have succeeded in and what similar job positions are in their employment history.