Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT)

Iridium Satellite•Reston, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is hiring a Director of System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT) for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. The Director is the key technical leader for the satellite ground segment program, accountable for executing its strategic vision and leading a large, multidisciplinary team through the systems engineering, integration, and test lifecycle, from concept through verification and delivery. The role focuses on ground system capabilities and requires an active/current Top Secret security clearance; a U.S. clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active. The Director will guide architecture, systems, modeling and simulation, test and automation, and integration engineers. They will align SEIT strategy with program objectives, foster technical excellence and accountability, strengthen cross-functional practices, and build strategic relationships with senior and executive stakeholders. The role also includes directing system analyses and program reviews, managing technical projects and risks, improving processes and operational tools, investigating operational anomalies, and ensuring configuration management of ground operations procedures and templates. The role is primarily office-based. Employees are expected to work in an Iridium office at least four days per week under the company’s Hybrid Work Policy, and travel may be required up to 25%. The position is largely sedentary and involves working with a computer and basic office equipment. The role requires U.S. citizenship. Base pay is $200,000–$260,000 USD; compensation may also include company stock and an annual bonus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
15 or more years of relevant experience in systems engineering, satellite operations, or ground systems software development.
Experience with large-scale, complex development for U.S. Government national security programs.
Active/current Top Secret security clearance; a U.S. clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active.
Excellent communication skills, including presenting information, leading discussions, and responding to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across employee groups.
Ability to motivate and direct a team and demonstrate commitment to team goals.
People-oriented approach and ability to promote cross-functional team building.
Ability to lead discussions, build support for ideas, and adapt communication to varied audiences.
Creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness in managing risks and responding to critical situations.
Urgency in driving projects to completion and motivation to achieve results.
Strong prioritization skills and ability to coordinate multiple groups effectively.
Ability to work in an Iridium office at least four days per week.
Ability to travel up to 25%.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
Knowledge of missile defense systems and programs.
TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of architecture, systems, modeling and simulation, test and automation, and integration engineers.
Architect and execute the SEIT team’s strategic vision in alignment with program objectives.
Establish SEIT best practices and processes across the program to improve efficiency, compliance, and mission assurance.
Direct system analyses, including functional decomposition, performance modeling, interface definition, and trade studies.
Provide technical leadership for program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and ORR.
Oversee complex technical projects, managing changing priorities and risks to achieve organizational objectives.
Build and manage strategic partnerships with senior leadership and executive stakeholders, translating technical requirements into project plans.
Lead continuous process improvement across the SEIT lifecycle.
Optimize operational tools and processes, using automation to improve satellite and ground operations and reduce manual work.
Guide real-time investigations into operational anomalies and develop solutions to mitigate risks and maintain uninterrupted operations.
Ensure configuration management of ground operations procedures and templates.