Senior Ground Entry Point Systems Engineer

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 satellite ground systems, terminal operations, and systems engineering and have 8+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry, then you will be excited about the Senior Ground Entry Point Systems Engineer opening with Iridium on our SDA (Space Development Agency) project. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for supporting system-level planning and execution related to the architecture, deployment, and sustainment of Ground Entry Point (GEP) infrastructure. You'll focus primarily on requirements analysis, design documentation, testing support, and cross-functional coordination. You will succeed in this role if you are detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable working in a mission-driven environment.

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:

• Support the system design, integration, and maintenance of satellite ground terminal solutions, including RF, optical, and related infrastructure
• Work independently to create and maintain system engineering documentation and interface specifications
• Play a key role in coordinating cross-functional engineering activities across software, RF, and mechanical disciplines
• Be accountable for supporting technical planning, testing oversight, and deployment schedules for GEP systems
• Assist 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
• Apply systems engineering best practices to evaluate designs, identify risks, and support performance analyses
• Provide support for field deployments, system verification, and resolution of integration issues

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 8+ 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 clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others
• Capable of prioritizing your own tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

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

• Familiarity with ground terminal deployment, site surveys, or RF/optical system integration
• Experience with DoD ground systems and tools (e.g., OS Comet, InControl)
• Working knowledge of system engineering tools (e.g., Atlassian Suite, JIRA, R4J, Confluence)
• Programming or scripting knowledge (e.g., Python, Java, Shell)

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.