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The Role of the Engineer in Satellite Communication
Satellite communications is the only truly commercial space technology. It generates billions of dollars annually in sales of products and services. The opportunities for engineers are endless since they are in such strong demand. The following examples outline just some of these possibilities.
Electronic Engineers
Electronic engineers work with objects and systems that employ small amounts of electrical energy to analyse, amplify, transmit and store information. These systems are of vital importance in everyday communication, defence, transport, civil aviation & medical equipment such as the bionic ear, pacemakers and life support systems.
People who specialise as electronics engineers may work in such industries as communications, broadcasting, aviation, defence, robotics, computers, medical engineering or meteorology. Electronics engineers are finding more opportunities in entertainment, transport and the telecommunications industries. Data communications, mobile radio and the broader entertainment industry all require the input of electronics engineers. The transport sector is employing more electronics engineers as the vehicles and the systems controlling them become more automated.
An example of one growth area is the use of satellites and cable systems in Pay Television. Electronics engineers in the field of communications are responsible for the operation of satellite television transmission. These systems are monitored by complex equipment where it is the responsibility of the electronics engineer to find and correct faults quickly to ensure a smooth operation.
Electronics engineering is a very diverse field and it is currently undergoing expansion as new applications are found for electronic equipment. This has led to the development of the two relatively new fields of engineering of software engineering and mechatronics.
Aerospace Engineer (Also known as a Aeronautical Engineer)
Aerospace engineers perform and supervise work concerned with aircraft and space systems: research and development, design, specifications, manufacture and quality control, installation, performance and operations, testing, maintenance and repair, management, airworthiness and marketing.
Aerospace engineering is concerned with all types of flight vehicles, including military and civilian aeroplanes and helicopters, missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft and satellites, and control and guidance systems.
Personal Requirements
- * ability to identify, analyse and solve problems
- * ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing
- * computing and design skills
- * practicality and creativity
- * ability to work without supervision
- * ability to accept responsibility
- * ability to work as part of a team
- * normal colour vision may be required
Education and Training
To become an aerospace engineer, you need to complete a specialised bachelor of engineering.
Examples of Degree Courses
University of NSW - Kensington Campus:
Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering), 4 years full time or equivalent
University of NSW- Australian Defence Force Academy :
Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical), 4 years full time
Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical), 3 years full time
University of Sydney :
Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering, 4 years full time
Bachelor of Engineering through the UNISEN Scholarships in Engineering, 4 years full time.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics engineers design, develop, test and maintain electronic parts and systems used in computers, communications, navigation, industry and entertainment.
Electronics engineers work in industries such as communications, aviation, defence, robotics, computers, biomedical engineering and meteorology.
Electronics engineers may perform the following tasks:
- design circuits for electronic control systems and instruments
- prepare and supervise design, specifications, estimates, tenders and contracts
- program and operate computers to assist with complex calculations
- determine the type and arrangement of circuit parts and develop testing equipment and methods
- determine the type of installation, location, layout and transmission medium by assessing communication traffic and levels of service at installations
- establish and monitor performance, safety standards and methods for modification, maintenance and repair
- examine installations to ensure they meet contract conditions
- research new applications of technology
- liaise with clients, other engineers, technical officers, technicians, tradespeople and other workers.
Electronics engineers may specialise as:
- Chief Electronics Engineers
- Communication Engineers
- Process Control Engineers
- Radio Engineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Information Engineers
- Telecommunication engineers
Education and Training
To enter this occupation you need a degree in electronics engineering or a related field.
Most tertiary institutions in NSW and the ACT offer a four year degree course in relevant fields.
Mechatronic Engineer
Mechatronic engineers design and maintain machinery with electronic and computer control systems, such as aircraft, robots, motor vehicles, cameras, power generators, and mining and chemical plant machinery.
- Mechatronic engineers may perform the following tasks:
- design, develop, maintain and manage high technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks
- apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material , components or finished goods
- apply advanced electronic control systems, which are usually computer driven
- design and assist in the manufacture of consumer products such as cameras and video recorders
- apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to task (e.g. underwater exploration, mining or forestry) where the use of human labour may be dangerous
- carry out studies into the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices.
Personal Requirements
- good communications skills
- ability to work as part of a team
- a capacity for creative thinking and problem solving
- interested in automatic machinery such as robotic and production equipment, as well as in physics and mathematics
Education and Training
Entry to this job requires a degree in engineering with a major in mechatronics.
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