Senior Systems Engineer

Iridium Satellite•Reston, VA

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global voice and data network, delivering reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth. For more than 20 years, Iridium has powered mission-critical communications for governments, businesses, aviation, maritime, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things. Now part of Iridium, Aireon is the world’s only space-based air traffic surveillance system, providing real-time visibility of aircraft over oceans, the poles, and remote regions. Together, Iridium and Aireon are helping build a safer, more connected, and more efficient future for global aviation. Join our team and help shape how the world stays connected. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where employees are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact. This position requires an active/current Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field, OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree
8+ years of relevant experience in the Satellite Operations and/or Ground Segment Development industry areas
Strong knowledge of system engineering methodologies and AGILE processes
Strong familiarity with tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and recognize and adapt to different communication techniques
Can easily build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside of your own department, and is comfortable providing constructive feedback to your team members and management
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
Be able to travel up to 10%
Be a U.S. Citizen
Be able to work in the office at least 4 days a week to foster collaboration with the team

Nice To Haves

Experience with designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems and various command and control systems (e.g. OS Comet, InControl, etc.)
Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cycle process
Experience with orbital mechanics, space vehicle launches and early orbit functions
Experience with modeling and simulations of mesh networks
Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.
Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite such JIRA, R4J and Confluence
Familiarity with Joint interface control officer background and Link-16 processes

Responsibilities

Be responsible for providing technical expertise for various components within a satellite ground system, ensuring compatibility, functionality, and performance at the system level
Develop and maintain system-level architecture and design documentation, ensuring alignment with project requirements, industry standards, and best practices
Independently perform requirements analysis, definition, decomposition, and management for Space and Ground Segments
Collaborate with system architects and project managers to define system-level requirements, establish technical baselines, and track performance metrics throughout the integration process
Conduct risk assessments and mitigation planning for system design and development activities, identifying potential risks, developing contingency plans, and implementing risk mitigation strategies
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and network engineers, to ensure seamless design, integration, and interoperability of system components
Conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, and detailed trade studies, analyzing multiple data sources to respond to frequent, complex, and high impact situations
Support the program technical team in major reviews such as: Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Operations Readiness Review (ORR)
Support the coordination and delivery of multiple or complex technical assignments designed with end goals in mind, including managing shifting priorities
Work independently to ensure that projects meet technical performance targets, deliver quality results, and activities are well-designed and meet overall project objectives