Principal Product Owner, Network Management

Iridium Satellite, LLC•Philadelphia, PA

3d•$150,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking a Principal Product Owner for their Bumblebee program. This role is responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to support a mission-critical Ground Segment infrastructure for government satellite operations. The Product Owner will guide ground-system capabilities and support Satellite and Ground Network Management initiatives, ensuring seamless integration across the end-to-end space-to-ground architecture. This position is part of the National Security Missions group, focusing on full-lifecycle ground and network architecture. The role involves working with a skilled, cross-functional team to solve complex challenges impacting mission success and national security. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technologies in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. An active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science required; advanced degree preferred
10+ years of U.S. Government (USG) program/project management experience, preferably supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) satellite or ground segment programs
5–7 years of engineering or technical foundation experience sufficient to credibly lead multidisciplinary teams and engage in informed program-level trade discussions
Demonstrated experience as a Product Owner or similar role delivering complex ground segment, satellite communications, or network management systems in a government or defense environment.
Demonstrated experience managing programs using Scaled Agile (SAFe) or hybrid delivery frameworks
Strong understanding of end-to-end space systems architecture, including satellite operations, ground infrastructure, and network integration.
Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized backlogs, technical requirements, and executable roadmaps.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and clearly convey technical trade-offs, risks, and program status.
Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion
Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments
Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities
Be proactive in sharing knowledge you’ve learned with others
Active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

Experience with national security space programs or classified environments, including familiarity with DoD or IC mission requirements.
Background in satellite network management, ground system automation, or software-defined infrastructure for space operations.
Knowledge of modern DevSecOps practices and agile frameworks applied to complex aerospace or defense systems.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively to support the product vision, roadmap, and priorities for the Bumblebee ground segment in alignment with mission objectives.
Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable product plans and capability roadmaps.
Lead end-to-end integration of satellite, ground segment, and network management systems to ensure seamless space-to-ground operations.
Own the product backlog, ensuring clear prioritization, refinement, and alignment with mission-critical timelines and technical dependencies.
Partner with engineering, systems, and operations teams to deliver resilient, scalable ground infrastructure and network management capabilities.
Ensure compliance with government, security, and mission assurance requirements across all product deliverables.
Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve complex technical challenges.
Serve as a key interface between technical teams and executive stakeholders, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and trade-offs.
Monitor system performance and operational metrics, using data to inform continuous improvement and capability enhancements.
Support lifecycle activities including requirements definition, architecture evolution, testing, deployment, and sustainment of ground and network systems.