Senior Systems Engineer

Iridium Satellite, LLC•Reston, VA

16d•$120,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer with a background in space systems architecture and design for their SDA (Space Development Agency) Project. The role involves identifying and implementing solutions for the design and development of core ground system components, focusing on Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Ground Entry Point Management, and Fleet Operations Monitoring. This position requires an active Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one. The ideal candidate enjoys tackling complex challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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.
Ability to build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside of your own department.
Comfortable providing constructive feedback to team members and management.
Ability to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion.
Creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities.
Proactive in sharing knowledge with others.
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).
Be a U.S. Citizen.

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

Provide 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.
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.
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, including managing shifting priorities.
Work independently to ensure projects meet technical performance targets, deliver quality results, and activities are well-designed and meet overall project objectives.