Principal Ground Entry Point 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 experienced in ground terminal systems engineering, satellite communications, and have over 10 years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry, then you will be excited about the Principal Ground Entry Point Lead opening with Iridium on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Ground Entry Point Lead, you'll be responsible for managing technical planning and execution activities related to the architecture, deployment, and sustainment of ground terminal systems. In this role, you will focus primarily on system engineering, design documentation, testing oversight, and cross-functional coordination to ensure performance of the Ground Entry Point infrastructure. You will thrive in this role if you are detail-oriented, technically versatile, and thrive in high-stakes, mission-driven environments.

This position requires an active/current Top Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a 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:

• Be the main point of contact and technical lead on specific U.S. Government (USG) programs for ground terminal solutions, including Radio Frequency (RF), Optical, and ground terminal service solutions
• Provide technical leadership across multiple disciplines including software, mechanical, RF, optical, digital, and software/hardware testing
• Use specialized knowledge to ensure system engineering best practices and processes are applied to ground and payload controller systems developed for various external projects
• Be responsible for exercising technical authority over ground terminal projects
• Work closely with the USG program managers and other key stakeholders to determine resource needs, technical development schedules and major milestones
• Conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, and detailed trade studies, analyzing multiple data sources to respond to frequent, complex, and high impact situations
• Play a key role in supporting major reviews such as: Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Operations Readiness Review (ORR) as well as Program Increment Demonstrations
• Be accountable for ensuring that projects meet technical performance targets, deliver quality results, and activities are well designed and meet overall project objectives

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 10+ years of relevant experience in satellite ground systems, telecommunications, or defense-related technical roles
• Relevant background in site selection, site surveys, civil engineering, and antenna deployment efforts
• Strong knowledge of system engineering methodologies and AGILE processes
• Strong familiarity with tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groups
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and exemplifying commitment to your team's goals
• Have a people-oriented mentality and actively promote cross-functional team building
• Able to confidently drive discussions, raise support for key ideas, and tailor your communication style to a wide range of audiences
• Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to critical situations
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
• Excellent prioritization skills and the ability to effectively coordinate the activities of multiple groups

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

• Knowledge of satellite ground terminal deployment, site surveying, and RF/optical system integration
• Familiarity with DoD ground system programs and command & control systems (e.g., OS Comet, InControl)
• Experience with system engineering tools (e.g., Atlassian Suite, JIRA, R4J, Confluence)
• Programming knowledge (e.g., Python, Java, Shell scripting)
• Understanding of Hardware/Software development lifecycle and test processes

We'll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 50%
• Be a

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.