In my previous role at a satellite operations center, we monitored a fleet of GEO satellites that required precise positioning to avoid drift.

My task was to ensure each satellite stayed within its assigned orbital slot using station‑keeping maneuvers.

I explained that a GEO satellite stays over the equator at ~35,786 km by balancing Earth's gravity with its orbital velocity. Small perturbations—like lunar/solar gravity, solar radiation pressure, and Earth's equatorial bulge—cause drift. Station‑keeping uses thrusters to perform north‑south and east‑west maneuvers, correcting inclination and longitude errors, typically every few weeks, while conserving fuel for mission longevity.

By performing regular station‑keeping, we kept the satellite within ±0.05° of its slot, maintaining service continuity and meeting regulatory requirements.

During a routine monitoring shift, a client reported intermittent loss of signal from their VSAT terminal.

I needed to identify the root cause and restore connectivity as quickly as possible.

I started with a checklist: 1) Verify power and cabling at the terminal, 2) Check antenna alignment using the built‑in tilt/elevation readouts, 3) Run a spectrum scan to detect interference, 4) Review the modem logs for error codes, and 5) Contact the hub to confirm uplink health. Each step was documented in our ticketing system, and any abnormal readings prompted escalation to the RF engineer.

The issue was traced to a loose coax connector causing high VSWR. After resecuring the connector, signal strength returned to normal and the ticket was closed with a detailed report for future reference.

While installing a new 12‑meter parabolic antenna on a rooftop for a telecom client, the site had steep access and nearby power lines.

I was responsible for ensuring the installation complied with OSHA standards and company safety policies.

I performed a site risk assessment, secured a fall‑protection harness, used a guard‑rail system, and established a clear exclusion zone. I also verified that all power lines were de‑energized or marked, used insulated tools, and conducted a pre‑task safety briefing with the crew. Throughout the job, I maintained a safety log and communicated any hazards to the site supervisor.

The antenna was installed safely, completed on schedule, and passed the post‑installation safety audit with zero incidents.

Our company was preparing to launch a new Ka‑band uplink for a broadcast client, requiring FCC authorization.

I needed to verify that all testing procedures met FCC Part 25 requirements and that the equipment operated within authorized frequency bands and power limits.

I reviewed the FCC license to confirm authorized frequencies, power levels, and antenna gain. I set up a spectrum analyzer to monitor emissions, logged all test parameters, and used a calibrated power meter to ensure output stayed below the licensed ERP. I also prepared a compliance report detailing frequency use, measured power, and any deviations, and submitted it to the FCC’s online filing system for record‑keeping.

The uplink passed all FCC inspections, the test report was accepted without comments, and the client’s service went live on schedule, avoiding costly fines or delays.

During a live broadcast, our primary GEO satellite experienced a sudden transponder failure, causing a complete loss of signal for a major news network.

As the lead Satellite Technician on shift, I had to diagnose the fault, coordinate a backup path, and restore service within 30 minutes to avoid contractual penalties.

I immediately assembled a cross‑functional team (network ops, RF engineers, and the client’s NOC). I ran real‑time telemetry checks, identified the failed transponder, and switched the traffic to a pre‑configured backup satellite using our automated routing script. While the team executed the switch, I kept the client updated every five minutes and documented each step in our incident management system.

Service was restored in 27 minutes, the client reported no noticeable disruption, and we avoided a $250,000 penalty. The incident post‑mortem highlighted the effectiveness of our backup procedures.

Our satellite ground station experienced frequent unscheduled downtimes due to inconsistent antenna maintenance logs.

I was tasked with working with the maintenance crew, software engineers, and quality assurance to streamline the logging process.

I facilitated a series of workshops to map the current workflow, identified redundant paper forms, and introduced a digital maintenance app that auto‑populated checklists and captured timestamps. I coordinated with the software team to integrate the app with our CMMS, and trained the crew on its use. I also created a SOP document outlining the new process and set up weekly review meetings to gather feedback.

The new system reduced undocumented maintenance events by 85%, cut average downtime from 45 minutes to 12 minutes, and earned recognition in the quarterly performance review.