POSITION:                   SATELLITE NOC UPLINK OPERATOR

DEPARTMENT:           OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO:              SATELLITE NOC SUPERVISOR

JOB SUMMARY

The Satellite Network Operations Center (NOC) Uplink Operator works in a fast-paced 24x7 environment in the Satellite NOC in Las Vegas, NV.  Candidate will operate, monitor, and trouble shoot multiple satellite transmissions, manage the same through a variety of control systems and generate reports of all issues through a Trouble Ticket system &/or Shift Log.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NETWORK OPERATIONS

Backhaul Contribution Network

·         Controlling daily scheduled satellite transmissions via remote control software.  This includes checking redundant chains of equipment for alarms and verifying equipment is operating properly by receiving transmission on proper reception hardware at the Satellite NOC.

·         Accessing satellites with satellite operators.

·         Assessing video / audio signal quality.

·         Maintain carrier power balance on transponders through the use of spectrum analyzers, power meters & other means.

·         Monitoring transponders / carriers for power fluctuations and confirming the cause.

·         Contacting satellite operators in the event of interference on the transponders.

·         Processing management system commands to remote hardware through various transport methods.

·         Processing management system commands to uplink equipment for proper network operation.

·         Configuring channels in network control systems for proper transmission.

·         Working with emergency remote contacts to enable transmission manually in case of communication problems with remote uplink facility.

Distribution Network

·         Verifying signals are on correct channels.

·         Verifying signals are scheduled for each platform.

·         Verifying signal confidence monitoring.

Ad-hoc Network

·         Configuring equipment to transmit signals from remote uplinks and/or Las Vegas Teleport, in any combination.

·         Transmitting signals from remote uplinks or Las Vegas Teleport.

NETWORK MONITORING

·         Position requires constant monitoring of video monitors and test equipment in order to catch and resolve signal anomalies in an expedient manner.

·         Appropriate interaction with downlink staff required.  Downlink staff assists uplink operator(s) in alerting to possible problems.  Position requires minimal discussions with other staff other than as required to perform the duties and responsibilities.  Must share duties with other uplink operators on duty in a fair manner.

NETWORK TROUBLE SHOOTING

Customer Assistance

·         Determining if a signal is not on the schedule but needs to be on air. Taking steps to get this signal configured and transmitted.

·         Troubleshooting customer issues that are escalated from Tier-1 and Tier-2 staff.

Regional Engineer Assistance

·         Assist in peaking remote antennas and polarization issues with regional engineering staff.

·         Assist in troubleshooting transmission problems with regional engineering staff.

·         Gathering transponder plots from Intelsat when peak and pol is conducted on Galaxy 3C.

EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING PREFERRED

·         Previous experience operating uplink facilities and/or working in a Satellite NOC is preferred.

·         Analog and digital video / audio formats of signal processing a MUST. 

·         Knowledge of MPEG transport stream analysis is preferred.

·         Knowledge of video encoding and decoding is preferred.

·         To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         Computer skills a MUST.  Ability to work within MS Office applications, Windows system environment, remote control applications, i.e. RDC/RDP, VLC, Radmin Viewer, serial communications, command prompt use and others.

·         Competent understanding of satellite transmission, components used and the signal types of those components.

·         Analyze and interpret satellite specific RF data measurement values and those of monitoring, transmission & control equipment.

·         Efficiently perform duties in a fast-paced environment, making good decisions, applying good judgment and problem solving while working under pressure.

·         Timeliness is a MUST.  Punctual shift arrival, lunch & break returns.

·         Communicate orally and written in a clear and concise manner.

·         Communicate with all levels of management and company personnel.

·         Isolate and troubleshoot failed equipment and facility issues in all areas of the network.

·         Manage multiple tasks and projects at one time.

·         Prioritize and organize effectively.

·         Remain seated at a workstation for extended periods of time (up to 3.5 hours).