Satellite Network Operations Engineer

Astranis Space Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

On-site meals

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Astranis Space Technologies seeks a Satellite Network Operations Engineer to provide end-to-end operations support for global satellite networks, ground equipment, and payloads. You will work with internal stakeholders and external partners to solve complex problems with an emphasis on reliability and security.

The role requires strong networking and RF knowledge, scripting skills, and the ability to design maintainable, scalable solutions for diverse customers, including commercial and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field OR 2+ years in telecommunications, networking, or space systems engineering.
• 0-2 years of hands-on technical experience (internships, academia, CubeSat/rocketry projects)
• Familiarity with RF concepts (SNR, link budgets, modulation, coding) and basic radio hardware
• Understanding of core networking concepts (switching, routing, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP vs UDP, OSI)
• Strong programming fundamentals; scripting in Bash or Python
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; strong written/spoken communication
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively

Responsibilities

• Design, create, test, and execute operations procedures for network deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Investigate anomalies and service degradations; perform root cause analysis with the operations and engineering teams
• Coordinate with engineering to develop monitoring and alerting tools and processes
• Automate manual processes using scripting and software tools
• Analyze new customer requirements and design scalable, secure solutions
• Support in-field deployment of ground systems and integration with customer networks

Skills

RF concepts

Networking fundamentals

Scripting (Bash, Python)

Problem solving

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years experience

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

VNAs

SDRs / GNU Radio

Linux servers

Cisco/Juniper gear

KVM virtualization

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe - large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.

With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1,000,000,000 of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.

Astranis has raised over $1,200,000,000 from some of the world's best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Senior Network Operations Engineer

As a Satellite Network Operations Engineer, you will be providing operations support for our satellite networks that include ground equipment and satellite payload. These networks are deployed worldwide and are used both by commercial and government customers. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with internal stakeholders and external partners to tackle tough challenges and design and implement solutions for end customers with an operations focused mindset.

Role

As a Satellite Network Operations Engineer, you will be providing end-to-end operations support for our satellite networks - including ground equipment and satellite payloads. These networks are deployed worldwide and used by commercial and government customers. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with internal stakeholders and external partners to tackle tough challenges and design and implement solutions for end customers with an operations-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design, create, test, and execute operations procedures for network deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Investigate anomalies and service degradations and work with our satellite operations team and other engineering teams to find quick resolutions and perform effective root cause analysis
• Coordinate with engineering teams to develop monitoring and alerting tools and processes
• Automate manual processes using scripting and software tools
• Analyze new customer requirements and design solutions with a focus on maintainability, scalability, and security
• Support in-field deployment of ground systems and integration with customer networks

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Networking, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a related field OR 2+ years of professional experience working in telecommunications, networking, or space systems engineering
• 0-2 years of hands‑on technical experience (including internships, academic research, engineering student design teams like CubeSat / rocketry / robotics, or lab work)
• Familiarity with RF concepts such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, C/N), link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and basic radio hardware components
• Understanding of core networking concepts, including switching and routing, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP vs UDP, and the OSI stack
• Strong programming fundamentals and practical experience with scripting languages (e.g. Bash, Python)
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask and effectively manage tim

Bonus

• Prior experience in satellite mission operations, ground station operations, or network operations centers (MOC/NOC)
• Hands‑on laboratory or project experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, VNAs) or Software-Defined Radios (SDRs / GNU Radio)
• Knowledge of RF Terminals/Antennas, satellite payload and VSAT hub systems (e.g. Hughes, iDirect/Newtec, Gilat) including modulators and demodulators
• Familiarity with satellite communication waveforms and standards (DVB-S2 / DVB-S2X, TDMA/SCPC return links)
• Hands‑on experience with Linux-based servers , Cisco and Juniper routers / switches, and FortiGate firewalls
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, ICMP, DHCP, VLANs, NAT, and SNMP
• Working knowledge of virtualization using KVM and similar VM infrastructure

What we offer:

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.

Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.

Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Salary

$130,000-$175,000 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required (To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.

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