Manager, Lab Test Engineering

Iridium Satellite • Chandler, AZ

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking a Manager, Lab Test Engineering to lead the daily operations of a highly technical RF and system-level test laboratory. The role combines hands-on technical expertise in lab hardware and RF systems with leadership responsibilities. The manager oversees lab readiness, configuration control, equipment lifecycle, and the safe operation of RF and hardware test assets, while supporting system integration, troubleshooting, and engineering decision-making. The position works closely with engineering teams to develop and execute test plans, interpret system requirements, and evolve test methodologies, automation, and lab processes to improve efficiency and quality.

The position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The role requires working in an Iridium office at least four days per week under the company’s Hybrid Work Policy, traveling up to 15 days annually, and being available on-call for operational issues.

The work is primarily in an office setting and is largely sedentary, with most work performed at a computer using basic office equipment. The base pay range is $115,000–$150,000. Compensation may also include company stock and an annual bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan options, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, discounts, and other perks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 8 years of progressive technical experience in test engineering, RF systems, satellite, aerospace, or telecommunications environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, VNAs, and power meters.
• Strong hands-on experience with lab hardware and instrumentation.
• Strong hands-on experience with hardware test automation tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage complex workflows, and troubleshoot system integration issues.
• Strong understanding of requirements analysis, verification and validation processes, and anomaly resolution.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with technical and leadership audiences.
• Analytical mindset, critical-thinking ability, and capacity to propose practical solutions and operate with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and lead teams through shifting technical demands.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to the position’s connection to a U.S. government contract.
• Ability and willingness to work in the office at least four days per week.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15 days annually.
• Willingness and ability to be on-call to support operational issues.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing a technical lab or RF test team.
• Strong project management skills coordinating cross-functional activities.
• Advanced engineering degree.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the RF and system-level testing laboratory, ensuring configuration control, calibration, readiness, and safe operation of test assets and environments.
• Provide hands-on support using RF hardware, system integration tools, instrumentation, and troubleshooting workflows.
• Oversee equipment lifecycle planning, including procurement, maintenance, calibration cycles, and decommissioning.
• Identify opportunities to improve test processes, lab workflows, automation, and overall operational efficiency.
• Support Agile testing processes and contribute to backlog prioritization, aligning lab readiness and testing needs with program goals.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and resource needs clearly to leadership and stakeholders.
• Supervise lab personnel, manage workload prioritization, and coordinate assignments.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and development guidance to lab engineers.
• Foster a disciplined operational environment emphasizing technical rigor, data integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Manage conflict, foster teamwork, and build strong working relationships across engineering groups.

Benefits

• Company stock may be available.
• Annual bonus may be available.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Discounts and other perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager