‘Gam’ Natnicha Thonsungnoen – From Communications Engineering Student to Female Satellite Engineer
Natnicha Thonsungnoen, known as ‘Gam,’ is a female engineer at National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), where she has been working in the satellite systems department for three years. She shared her fascinating career journey, from being a communications engineering student at Chiang Mai University to becoming an engineer in the satellite industry.
“I graduated with a degree in Communications Engineering from Chiang Mai University,” Gam began, reflecting on the start of her journey. “When I graduated, I was eager to work in my field, but I wasn’t sure which specific area to focus on—whether it would be fiber optics, networks, or satellites. During my bachelor’s studies, I had never studied satellites; it was just an elective course that I never took.”
Even fate presented her with an opportunity at CAT Telecom, as it was known then. “At first, I applied for a different position, but the satellite systems department had an opening, so I got the chance to try it out.” Despite lacking a strong background in satellite technology, Gam embraced the opportunity. “At first, I was hesitant because it seemed like a narrow field, but once I actually started working, I found it really enjoyable,” she said with a smile.
Gam’s work is diverse and challenging, ranging from live broadcasts with DSNG vehicles to projects involving Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, such as OneWeb. “I often get to work off-site and learn a lot of new things,” she said enthusiastically.
Gam recounted her first experience working with a satellite signal transmission vehicle (DSNG). “I was very excited right from the moment we deployed the stabilizers. The vehicle was filled with equipment, and I had to understand the entire system. Each vehicle’s setup was different, and there were many details to consider. But the senior colleagues were very skilled, so I had to observe closely. There were a lot of intricate details,” she explained. Because it was a live broadcast, there was no room for error; every step was crucial and delicate. At first, Gam didn’t understand why they had to stand by so early before the event began.
When asked about being a woman in a field typically dominated by men, Gam didn’t see it as an obstacle. “If you don’t know something, just ask. In a technical job like this, there’s no room for guessing; mistakes can have serious consequences.”
Regarding the future of satellite technology, Gam believes, “Every technology evolves and improves over time. Satellites used to be a last resort, a backup system when nothing else worked, and there were only GEO satellites. But now we have LEO satellites, so I feel like satellite technology is experiencing a resurgence, with the potential for even greater advancements in the future.”
Working in the satellite field has significantly contributed to Gam’s personal development. “Once I started working, I realized what I was capable of. Some things I thought I couldn’t do, I actually could, both in terms of work and problem-solving.”
Gam shared a particularly memorable experience when she had to make an important decision during a system test for an APEC event. “At that time, my boss wasn’t there, and I had to decide how to resolve the issue,” she said. “I chose to stop the test with one client and allow the next client to start theirs. It was a quick decision, but once I made it, we were able to move forward.” This experience taught Gam that decisiveness is a crucial skill for engineers. “No matter the outcome, you have to manage it and move forward,” she added.
Gam also shared her experience working with international clients, which presented different challenges compared to working with people in Thailand. “Foreign clients have very high expectations and follow procedures strictly,” she explained. “You have to think ahead and be prepared for very detailed questions.” The first time she faced unexpected questions, she said, “I felt a lot of pressure, but I had to honestly admit that I would find the information and get back to them.” She added, “After that, I had to push myself to be better prepared for the next meeting.”
When asked for advice for new engineers, Gam suggested starting with technical learning. “Begin with the basics and gradually build up your experience, just like putting together a puzzle piece by piece,” she said. “Once you understand the fundamentals, you’ll see the bigger picture more clearly.”
She also shared her work motto: “Take a risk or lose the chance.” She explained, “Sometimes you have to take risks, but they should be well-reasoned, considering the potential outcomes.”
Gam emphasized the importance of soft skills in the workplace. “It’s not enough to be technically skilled; you also have to get along with people. Communication and teamwork skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Sometimes you might not be the strongest technically, but if you leverage your strengths and do your best in those areas, the work will turn out well.”
Take a risk or lose the chance
“Sometimes you have to take risks,
but they should be well-reasoned, considering
the potential outcomes.”
‘Gam’ Natnicha Thonsungnoen
In conclusion, Gam shared an insightful perspective: “In any job, everyone plays a crucial role. Even if it’s a small part, everyone is needed for the job to be successful.”
Gam’s story is an inspiring example of how determination and a passion for learning can lead anyone into the world of space technology, even without a direct background in the field. She demonstrates how women can thrive in challenging engineering careers, where success requires not only technical knowledge but also decision-making, adaptability, and collaboration skills.
