NTN/5G UE Systems Architect

Iridium Satellite • McLean, VA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking an exceptional engineer to join our Systems Architecture team as an NTN User Equipment (UE) Architect – a visionary leader who will help define the roadmap for next-generation connectivity. In this role, you’ll collaborate with Iridium’s chipset, device, and MNO partners to bring cutting-edge features and capabilities to life across Iridium’s NTN Direct and D2D offerings. In this role, you’ll also partner closely with our product and engineering teams to ensure that the UE features roadmap aligns with the evolving needs of Iridium’s (5G & 6G) NTN service offerings. If you’re passionate about breaking new ground in satellite communications and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we’d love to meet you.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Systems, Solid-state Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar program of study; master’s degree preferred
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience, ideally in Satellite Telecommunications or Wireless Communications
• Deep expertise in 3GPP standards (LTE, 5G NR – especially Releases 17 – 19 for NTN)
• Strong understanding of UE architecture, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers
• Hands-on experience in RF, modem design, or protocol stack development
• Knowledge of UE conformance testing and NTN-specific features such as SIB19/SIB31, Doppler compensation, and timing advance
• Familiarity with network simulation and test tools (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu)
• Familiarity with Jira ticketing system, waterfall, Agile or other project management tools
• Comfortable with Wireshark or other protocol logging and diagnostic tools
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, including a proved ability to build consensus, drive alignment, and inspire innovation across teams
• Capable of executing independently and leading new initiatives
• Ability to proactively solve problems, think strategically, move quickly, and deliver results that make an impact
• Be able to travel (up to 25%) on occasion, and as needed, to work directly with partners and project teams

Nice To Haves

• Experience with NGSO or satellite telecommunications systems is a plus

Responsibilities

• Define and develop an Iridium UE feature specification and drive alignment between partner roadmaps and company strategy
• Be the owner of and track UE portfolio of features across multiple partners/vendors
• Translate network and service requirements into actionable UE technical designs to support IoT NTN TDD and D2D services
• Ensure all designs comply with the latest 3GPP standards and industry best practices
• Collaborate with device partners on end-to-end UE integration and validation
• Drive innovation across the full 5G NTN system design, from concept through performance analysis
• Support Iridium engineering team with troubleshooting; analyze logs for faster problem resolution
• Support demos, trials, and field performance assessments to help showcase our technology’s potential

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees