Systems Engineer III

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:

Are you a space enthusiast with a passion for cutting-edge technology and a desire to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Iridium is seeking a motivated Systems Engineer III to join our Systems Engineering team in support of a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Systems Engineer III, you'll independently deliver high-quality work and drive projects and deliverables to completion, including participating in system requirements analysis, functional and performance analysis, system design, system integration, and troubleshooting of network systems-providing tangible value to the team. If you are looking to take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Do:

• Apply system engineering best practices and processes to ground and payload controller development for various projects
• Perform required analysis, definition, decomposition, and management of Space & Ground segments
• Work with Project Systems Engineers in exercising technical authority over projects
• Conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, concept of operations definition, and detailed trade studies
• Provide input for 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)
• Perform analysis that ensures system designs meet technical performance targets
• Participate in modeling and simulation of new services
• Build relationships with stakeholders to understand their technical needs to manage the requirements and planning of the assigned projects
• Utilize critical thinking skills to support your team in applying new ideas and approaches, such as designing and developing existing and new systems
• Contribute to the development and execution of integration plans and procedures for satellite ground system components, including hardware, software, and networking
• Maintain documentation related to integration activities, test procedures, and system configurations
• Execute system testing and verification activities to ensure performance meets project specifications

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or related field
• 5+ years of related system engineering or software programming experience for complex technical projects, preferably direct experience in telecommunications, ground networks, electronic products development/manufacturing, or satellites
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• B e comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

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

• Working knowledge of networking protocols and equipment
• Familiarity with Space Vehicle Subsystems and Command and Control Systems
• Experience with the hardware/software development lifecycle
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools like JIRA, Confluence, and R4J
• Experience in Linux Red Hat environments
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java (Spring Boot), JavaScript, Python, C++, and Shell scripting
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, Podman, and ArgoCD

We'll also need you to:

• Be able to work in the office at least 3 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
• Be able to travel up to 25%
• ====
• Possess a Top Secret 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.

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

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