The scope of this occupation are the artificial satellite manufacturing projects with diverse applications incorporated, such as navigation, communication, meteorology or remote sensing services by satellite. These space projects are composed of two main parts:

• Onboard segment: the software installed on the satellite. The programmer designs, programs, installs and tests the on-board computer applications.
• Ground segment: the whole set of systems (base stations, communications networks, etc.) used to communicate with the satellite. Ultimately, these systems make possible to receive and send information needed to perform the tasks for which these applications were built. The programmer is in charge of the part of the application which is on Earth: he/she designs, programs, installs and tests the communication modules with the satellite. He/she is also in charge of obtaining data and presenting the information to user.

• Define the system and communication protocols between the ground station and the satellite. Therefore, they must have command of the complete system (hardware and software) and a deep knowledge not only of the ground segment but also the space segment.
• Design the databases and apply the way in which the final user has access to these data, which is known as GUI (Graphic User Interface).
• Take part in the functional (tasks carried out by the application) and technical design (how application carry out these tasks).
• Once the project is defined, program the code in order to carry out the functional requirements with the help of the computer technology appropriate to the characteristics of the project (ADA, C, C++, Java, Visual C++, Visual Basic, etc). These languages are characterized for their security, with strict requirements in order to ensure reliability, and special mechanisms for managing the concurrent events in a real time environment, which make them especially suitable for applications running on the satellite.
• Carry out the tests and set up of the system in order to tun it (adjust it before the operating phase of the system). This stage is very important in this type of projects, since proper operation of the satellite must be ensured once it is in space.
• Manage any incidence that may occur and define a protocol in order to detect mistakes and solve problems that may occur in the software once the satellite is working.
• During the process, create and manage technical documentation about the project and user manual.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes audiovisuals
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes electrònics
• Grau: Enginyeria electrònica de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes TIC
• Grau: Enginyeria en geoinformació i geomàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria informàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria informàtica de gestió i sistemes d'informació
• Grau: Informàtica i serveis
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria de xarxes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Tecnologies de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria mecatrònica

Other specific skills

Initiative: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 3

Conceptual thought: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Technician

People who show an interest in the technical field find fulfilment in carrying out activities related to the design and manufacture of objects, machines, vehicles and/or infrastructures. These activities require the application of scientific and technical knowledge (laws of physics, calculations and mathematical formulas, properties of the materials, etc). Creativity is also necessary when coming up with optimal solutions for the functional requirements of the products to be designed. Therefore, the pragmatic application of scientific knowledge in order to develop solutions for the benefit of human beings is the main function of occupations in the technical field.

Data Handling Engineer

Mobile application programmer

Hardware engineer

Avionics software engineer

Private network technician

• Work hours

  Full-time

• Salary

  Junior: between 17.277 and 23.844 euros annum gross. Median: 20.298 euros annum gross.
  Senior: between 25.222 and 36.728 euros annum gross. Median: 30.436 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician