Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT)

Iridium Satellite, LLC•Reston, VA

5d•$200,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking a Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT) for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. The director will lead the SEIT team and be accountable for the technical execution of the strategic vision for the satellite ground segment program. The role oversees systems engineering, integration, and test from concept through verification and delivery, supporting the design, development, integration, test, and delivery of ground system capabilities. The director will lead a large, multidisciplinary engineering team and work with senior stakeholders to ensure technical excellence and effective program execution. Responsibilities include setting objectives, managing priorities and risks, improving processes, and ensuring the reliable operation of the ground segment in support of mission objectives. An active/current Top Secret security clearance is required; a U.S. clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active. The position is based primarily in an office, with at least four days per week expected in an Iridium office under the company’s hybrid work policy. Travel may be up to 25%. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen. The base pay range is $200,000–$260,000 USD, with potential eligibility for 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. security clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present information, lead discussions, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across employee groups.
Ability to motivate and provide direction to a team and demonstrate commitment to team goals.
People-oriented approach and ability to promote cross-functional team building.
Ability to lead discussions, gain support for key ideas, and adapt communication to diverse audiences.
Creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness in managing risks and responding to critical situations.
Strong sense of urgency and motivation to complete projects and achieve results.
Excellent prioritization skills and ability to coordinate multiple groups.
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.
Set and execute the SEIT team’s strategic vision in alignment with program objectives.
Establish and promote 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 partnerships with senior leaders 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 implement solutions to mitigate risks and maintain uninterrupted operations.
Ensure configuration management of ground operations procedures and templates.