Senior Manager, Government Solutions & Operations

Iridium Satellite, LLC•Chandler, AZ

3d•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 helps expand adoption of Iridium capabilities. It requires proven people leadership, technical credibility, operational judgment, and the ability to engage senior government stakeholders and deliver measurable business results. The position provides operational leadership and oversight for Field Solutions Engineering, Helpdesk, and Order Fulfillment activities. It coordinates across internal functions and external partners to resolve customer needs, develop technical solutions, improve service, support USG outreach and training, and contribute to business development and capture efforts. 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. Travel of up to 30% is required. The position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, with most work performed on a computer. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least four days per week (approximately 80%) in an Iridium office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, telecommunications, business, or a related technical field.
10+ 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, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into solutions addressing 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 in other departments.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly and confidently convey products, deliverables, analyses, and issues, and adapt to different communication techniques.
Critical-thinking and decision-making ability, including evaluating and implementing solutions through completion.
Independence, self-motivation, creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
Strong sense of urgency and motivation to complete projects and achieve results.
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, as required by the U.S. government contract supported by the position.
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 within 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

Develop and lead a high-performing team of Field Solutions Engineers supporting EMSS and broader USG customers through direction, coaching, employee development, and technical leadership.
Evaluate employee performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide solutions to problems affecting team effectiveness.
Translate established USG strategy and business priorities into actionable FSE operating plans, team objectives, and execution priorities; monitor progress and adjust activities to deliver results.
Manage day-to-day FSE operations, assign resources, prioritize competing customer and technical needs, and resolve complex issues within established 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 development and implementation of technical solutions that translate complex 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 encourage adoption and operational use.
Coordinate across 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 activities aligned with operational priorities, customer requirements, and measurable adoption objectives.
Provide operational leadership and oversight of Field Solutions Engineering, Helpdesk, and Order Fulfillment; establish performance expectations, improve responsiveness, resolve escalated customer issues, and ensure accountability for service delivery, provisioning, and customer support.
Translate customer feedback, operational lessons learned, and emerging mission requirements into technical requirements, service enhancements, and opportunities to expand EMSS adoption and support growth across the USG portfolio.
Support USG business development and capture efforts by identifying customer opportunities, contributing technical solutions and customer insights, and supporting proposals and customer engagements in line 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.