Senior Manager, Government Solutions & Operations

Iridium Satellite•McLean, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking a senior technical leader to independently lead a team of customer-facing Field Solutions Engineers (FSEs) supporting its Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program and broader U.S. Government (USG) customers. The role translates established USG strategy and business priorities into executable FSE plans, guides complex technical and customer engagements, strengthens service delivery, and supports broader adoption of Iridium capabilities. The position requires an active/current Top Secret Security Clearance; a U.S. security clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active. Applicants must be U.S. citizens because the position performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. The Senior Manager provides people, technical, and operational leadership across Field Solutions Engineering, Helpdesk, and Order Fulfillment activities. The role works with government and industry stakeholders and coordinates across internal functions to translate mission needs into technical capabilities, service improvements, and operational outcomes. It also supports USG business development and capture efforts and drives measurable results from customer engagement and service activities. The position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, with most work performed using a computer and basic office equipment. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least four days per week (approximately 80%) in an Iridium office. Travel of up to 30% is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, telecommunications, business, or a related technical field.
10 or more years of relevant experience in solutions engineering, field engineering, systems engineering, SATCOM/telecommunications, government customer engagement, or a related technical field.
Previous management experience.
Experience working directly with U.S. Government and/or Department of Defense customers in technical, operational, or mission-focused environments.
Strong understanding of satellite communications, telecommunications, or other complex technical systems and the ability to connect technical capabilities to customer mission needs.
Demonstrated experience gathering and analyzing complex customer requirements and developing effective technical and operational solutions.
Experience leading complex customer engagements involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to motivate and direct a team and model commitment to team goals.
People-oriented approach and ability to build meaningful relationships with senior leaders on the team and across departments.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly and confidently explain products, deliverables, analyses, and issues, and adapt communication approaches to the audience.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess situations, make decisions, evaluate solutions, and follow them through to completion.
Independence, self-motivation, creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
Strong sense of urgency and motivation to complete projects and achieve outcomes.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, manage multiple or complex projects, and seek improved ways of working.
Active/current Top Secret Security Clearance; a U.S. security clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to travel up to 30%.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DoD SATCOM, COMSATCOM, or other satellite communications programs.
Familiarity with EMSS and Iridium’s role in the U.S. Government satellite communications ecosystem.
Experience working directly with Combatant Commands, operational units, or other warfighter organizations.
Experience leading Field Solutions Engineering, customer engineering, or another customer-facing technical team.
Experience supporting capture and proposal activities for major U.S. Government opportunities.
Working knowledge of the government acquisition process and FAR.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, coach, and provide technical direction to a team of Field Solutions Engineers supporting EMSS and broader USG customers.
Evaluate employee performance, identify development needs, mentor and train team members, and address issues affecting team effectiveness.
Translate established USG strategy and business priorities into FSE operating plans, team objectives, and execution priorities; monitor progress and adjust activities.
Manage day-to-day FSE operations, assign resources, prioritize competing customer and technical needs, and resolve complex issues within organizational priorities and authority.
Engage warfighters, Combatant Commands, government program offices, operational units, mission partners, and industry partners to understand mission needs, operational challenges, and emerging requirements.
Lead the development and implementation of technical solutions that turn customer and mission requirements into capabilities, service improvements, and operational outcomes.
Lead technical briefings, demonstrations, training, and solution-design sessions with government and industry stakeholders to demonstrate Iridium capabilities and support adoption and operational use.
Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Sales, Contracts, Customer Support, and other functions to resolve customer needs and complete technical, Helpdesk, and Order Fulfillment actions.
Plan and execute USG outreach, EMSS Academy, training, and exercise support aligned with operational priorities, customer requirements, and measurable adoption objectives.
Provide operational oversight of Field Solutions Engineering, Helpdesk, and Order Fulfillment; establish performance expectations, improve responsiveness, resolve escalated issues, and ensure accountability for service delivery, provisioning, and customer support.
Translate customer feedback, lessons learned, and emerging mission requirements into technical requirements, service enhancements, and opportunities to expand EMSS adoption and support USG portfolio growth.
Support USG business development and capture by identifying customer opportunities, contributing technical solutions and customer insights, and supporting proposals and customer engagements consistent with leadership-defined capture strategy.
Drive measurable outcomes from customer engagement, outreach, and technical support, including device adoption, IMEI sales, service activations, and qualified opportunities contributing to USG revenue and margin objectives.