Satellite Communications Engineer / Communications Technician - Palmer, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2025)

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Job Purpose

This position is a combination of the satellite communications engineer, communications technician, telephone technician, and electronics technician. The individual is responsible for all communications functions at the National Science Foundation's (NSF) scientific research base at Palmer Station, Antarctica. This includes C-band satellite, HF / VHF / UHF radio, telephones, LAN cabling, and scientific electronics.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair C-band satellite earth station including 4.9 m dish, LNAs, waveguides, dehydrators, up / down converters, solid state power amplifiers, modems, and monitoring & control system (MaxView). The satellite system supports voice, data, video transfer, and critical life safety needs such as medical video teleconference calls.
• Monitor and analyze satellite communication link, identify performance issues, and coordinate with satellite and teleport providers.
• Provide engineering and subject matter expert support for communication system designs, projects, and upgrades.
• Create and maintain communications systems documentation.
• Review communications systems for sparing and life cycle maintenance schedules.
• Maintain Inmarsat and Iridium satellite terminals and user equipment.
• Install, maintain, program, and repair VHF marine mobile, base station, and hand-held radios; VHF / UHF linked remote repeaters; repeater controllers; and tone remotes.
• Maintain marine AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceivers, receivers, and mapping software to monitor and track vessel movement for life safety.
• Install, maintain, and repair HF radio equipment and systems.
• Oversee antenna riggers performing annual antenna and tower maintenance. Perform minor tower work for urgent repairs.
• Support station telephony, both VoIP and analog.
• Maintain and install station copper and fiber cable plant. Maintain documentation.
• Manage network and communications system UPS units ranging from 1500 VA to 10 kVA.
• Construct and maintain solar power systems for remote repeaters, weather data sites, and seasonal science needs. Maintain 12 V and 24 V DC power systems used in assorted communications systems.
• Install and maintain wireless LAN systems including bridges to remote islands and ships.
• Service weather data collection systems on remote islands.
• Maintain station public address system.
• Assist with repair and fabrication of equipment for scientific and station electronic systems.
• Monitor VHF and HF radio traffic.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Competencies

Physical Requirements

Position Expectations

Performance Period : October 2025 - April 2025

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC

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