Executive Director, Test Engineering

Company Overview

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We're Looking For:

Iridium is seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Director, Test Engineering to oversee the strategic direction, planning, and execution of system integration and verification across Iridium's entire portfolio - including new products, services, and operational capabilities. In this role, you will lead the teams responsible for ensuring that every Iridium product and service - from subscriber equipment to satellite and gateway systems - meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and scalability. As a strategic leader, you will develop and manage multi-year CAPEX and OPEX budgets, drive long-term planning to transform and continue scaling integration and verification, and guide a talented team of directors, managers, engineers, and technical experts across every aspect of the network. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior technology leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering innovation, operational excellence, and global impact.

What You'll Do:

• Provide strategy and direction for Integration & Verification (I&V) team, including management oversight, best practices, resource planning, mentoring, and succession planning
• Serve as the site leader for the Technical Service Center (TSC), manage the company's test assets, maximize their utilization, drive improvements, anticipate technology refresh, and maintain operational readiness as the disaster recovery (DR) backup
• Develop a testing automation roadmap focused on scaling the test function, improving test intervals, and reducing field escapes
• Represent I&V functions at various regular reviews and meetings including executive leadership meetings, Monthly Operations Review (MOR), Technology Review, Network Architecture Council, and various network change control boards by effectively presenting information, driving discussions, and responding to various scenarios across the organization
• Lead cross-functionally within Technology Development Operations (TDO), to ensure product and service teams are delivering the right quality into I&V and are getting the right support from the I&V team
• Lead, motivate, and grow the I&V team and other Iridium staff based at the TSC
• Manage subcontractors to established performance goals
• Host and manage technical inter-exchange meetings (TIMs) at major milestones such as Technical Requirements Reviews
• Be responsible for the application for registration and licensing for non-ionizing radiation from the Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related technical program of study
• 15+ years of experience in satellite or terrestrial telecommunications industry
• 10+ years of experience in technical development management (i.e., hardware and software)
• Strong project management and engineering experience, specifically in satellite, radio, and communications development, with demonstrated track record of achieving deliverables
• Strong communication skills and ability to adapt to the audience, from engineers to the CEO
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and exemplifying commitment to the company's goals
• Excellent leadership qualities and the means to hold yourself and others accountable for their work
• Must possess a strategic mindset, be capable of planning objectives for a large organization, and making informed decisions on major, corporate-wide strategic initiatives
• Ability to manage significant and unique challenges that impact the achievement of company goals
• Ability to lead team relationships and dynamics, ensuring active engagement and communication across all members

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Specific experience with the following:
  • Hardware and software development of satellite, telecommunications, or terminal devices
  • Comprehensive technical knowledge of communications systems and protocols such 3GPP cellular, IP Networking, VoIP, MPLS, etc.
  • Experience with AI tools and services to improve engineering productivity
  • Training/coursework in satellite communications, software/hardware development, or new advanced protocols

We'll also need you to:

• This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract.
• NOTE: This is a hybrid role, where the expectation is that you perform your work in the office 3-4 days per week
• Be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Have or be eligible to obtain security clearance

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.