How to hire a satellite communications operator

How to hire a satellite communications operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step satellite communications operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a satellite communications operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new satellite communications operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The satellite communications operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A satellite communications operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, satellite communications operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of satellite communications operators.

   Type of Satellite Communications Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Satellite Communications Operator		$11-51

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Switchboards
   • Network Operations
   • Satellite Communications Equipment
   • SATCOM
   • IP
   • Troubleshoot
   • RF
   • Preventive Maintenance Checks
   • Satellite Communications Systems
   • Test Equipment
   • Spectrum Analyzers
   • Quality Control Tests
   • Ancillary Equipment
   • Satellite Modems

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Monitor network performance and power balance TDMA and FDMA sites to ensure optimal network performance.
   • Install, operate, maintain, and repair tactical satellite terminals to include satellite acquisition and configuration of IP satellite modems.
   • Spotlight operation for three casts of Annie Jr., and three casts of Annie.
   • Operate and maintain GPS base stations.
   • Install mobile satellite terminals for FDMA networks.
   • Collect information and send out FDMA reports.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your satellite communications operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A satellite communications operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, satellite communications operators' average salary in wyoming is 47% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level satellite communications operators 78% less than senior-level satellite communications operators.
   • Certifications. A satellite communications operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a satellite communications operator's salary.

   Average satellite communications operator salary

   $51,598yearly

   $24.81 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level satellite communications operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a satellite communications operator job description

   A good satellite communications operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a satellite communications operator job description:

   Satellite communications operator job description example

   Communication is a vital part of the military's ability to run successful missions. It's the role of the Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainers to ensure the lines of communication are always open, by installing, operating, and maintaining strategic and tactical multi-channel satellite communications.
   
   Duties of the Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer include: transmitting, receiving, and logging messages according to military procedures; encoding and decoding classified messages; operating telephone switchboards; installing, maintaining, and operating communications equipment; and monitoring and responding to emergency calls.
   
   Advanced Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainers provide guidance on technical issues to other Soldiers; identify and report electronic jamming and deception; and apply appropriate electronic countermeasures.
   Conduct stressed and unstressed network operations
   Maintenance of satellite communications equipment and associated devices
   Prepare system and equipment related forms and reports
   
   Some of the Skills You'll Learn
   Use of various types of communication equipment
   Working with codes
   Maintenance and care of communications equipment
   
   Helpful Skills
   Interest in communications equipment and satellite systems
   Ability to perform physically and mentally under pressure
   Ability to work as a team member
   
   Earn While You Learn
   Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to learn. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
   
   Job training for a Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions.
   
   Benefits/Requirements
   
   Benefits
   Paid training A monthly paycheck Montgomery GI Bill Federal and State tuition assistance Retirement benefits for part-time service Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage) 401(k)-type savings plan Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans) Health care benefits available VA home loans Bonuses, if applicable Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change
   Requirements Military enlistment in the Army National Guard Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
   
   Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
   
   Other Job Information
   
   Job Category: Technology and Networking
   Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 installer operator maintenance maintainer digital electronic electronics transmitter transmit informaiton systems engineering support integrated telecommunications network SCE satellite communicaitons

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right satellite communications operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with satellite communications operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit satellite communications operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your satellite communications operator job on Zippia to find and recruit satellite communications operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit satellite communications operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new satellite communications operator

   Once you've selected the best satellite communications operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new satellite communications operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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