Principal System Engineer, Technical Lead

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:

If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Principal System Engineering Technical Lead position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a member of the System Engineering team, you'll be responsible for working with senior management to execute the strategic plans and objectives as they relate to the design, development, integration, and delivery of ground system capabilities supporting the program. In this role, you will focus primarily on leading cross-functional engineering technical teams to define system architecture, oversee software and hardware integration, support end-to-end testing, and deliver customer-driven ground segment artifacts. To thrive, you'll need a breadth of knowledge in system engineering, software development, hardware interfaces, and integration and test.

This position requires an active/current Top-Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You'll Do:

• Execute the strategic vision of the system engineering team and be accountable for consistently exceeding program objectives while delivering high-quality results across diverse initiatives
• Spearhead the integration of system engineering best practices and robust processes across the SDA Program, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and compliance
• Direct comprehensive system analysis, including functional, performance, interface definition, and trade studies, to inform critical decision-making and optimize program outcomes
• Provide technical leadership and orchestrate key program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR), ensuring alignment with strategic goals and successful progression through critical milestones
• Champion the coordination and delivery of complex technical projects, adeptly managing shifting priorities to consistently achieve defined organizational objectives
• Cultivate strong partnerships with executive stakeholders, translating technical needs into strategic requirements and comprehensive project plans that drove organizational success
• Lead continuous process improvement initiatives across systems engineering, leading to significant enhancements in operational efficiency and procedure development
• Oversee the development and optimization of operational tools, leveraging automation to drive efficiencies and improve satellite and ground operations
• Provide critical real-time investigation and troubleshooting for complex operational anomalies, crafting solutions to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted satellite and ground operations
• Foster critical cross-functional coordination for ground activities, optimizing operational efficiency and mitigating inter-departmental dependencies
• Ensure proper configuration management of all ground operations procedures and templates, establishing a framework for operational consistency and compliance

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field
• 12+ years of relevant experience in Satellite Operations and Ground Software Development
• Proficient in LINUX operating systems and possesses general programming capabilities
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and confidently recognize and adapt to different communication techniques
• Be a strategic thinker who demonstrates good judgment and decisiveness
• Be able to analyze a situation or problem and come up with effective solutions
• Can easily form relationships with executive leadership and encourage cross-functional team building
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks according to deadline and budget limitations
• Be proactive in finding new and enhanced ways of doing things and sharing your knowledge with others

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

• Masters degree in aerospace engineering or related field

We'll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 10%
• This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract.

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.