Technician in navigation software development
Infrastructure technician for navigation systems

This professional is responsible for designing and monitoring software development based on several satellite navigation and positioning systems known as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Current GNSS systems are:

• GPS (Global Positioning System): A global military positioning system developed by the U.S.
• GLONASS (Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System) - Navigation system, also of military origin, developed by Russia.
• GALILEO - Europe's first worldwide satellite tracking and navigation system designed specifically for civil use around the world.
• EGNOS: European navigation system based on the use and improvement of GPS satellite signals.

The main applications of GNSS systems are: fleet management, geographic information, mapping, navigation and geodesy (mathematical science that aims to determine the shape and dimensions of the Earth and is closely related to seismology and the study of earthquakes), among others.
Solutions usually include a piece of hardware and a software part where algorithms and strategies for navigation are designed and developed.

• Design the system identifying the equipment included and any interfaces and programmes to be developped. E.g., in the case of a fleet management system, it would be necessary to install a GPS and a mobile phone in every vehicle which needs controlling, and a computer in head office with the necessary programmes to visualise vehicles on a map and proceed to their follow-up.
• In charge of selecting and evaluating suitable hardware and software components for every application. Must check and test the different components and standard equipment on the market, as well as check that these meet the technical specifications requirements specific to each application. Must, in addition, compare prices, delivery conditions, etc.
• Carry out the follow-up and supervision of the application of the relevant solution and the integration of all modules, whether hardware (receptors, stations reference, process centres) or software (programmes).
• Monitor the manufacture and fine-tuning of prototypes and guarantee the necessary quality and reliability in line with agreed costs.
• Offer support and advice to any hardware and software engineers involved in the project and supervise their work.

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Enginyeria en geoinformació i geomàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes electrònics
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes TIC
• Grau: Enginyeria de sistemes i serveis de telecomunicacions
• Grau: Enginyeria telemàtica
• Grau: Enginyeria de xarxes de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria electrònica de telecomunicació
• Grau: Tecnologies de telecomunicació
• Grau: Enginyeria en sistemes i tecnologia naval

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 3

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 2

Orientation within reach: 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.

Avionics software engineer

Radio frequency and microwave engineer

Radio officer

Common infrastructure engineer

Network manager

• Work hours

  Full-time

• Salary

  This ranges between 19.864 and 29.006 Euros gross per annum, depending on experience. Median: 24.004 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