Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator

Iridium Satellite•Huntsville, AL

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

Iridium is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer with a background in space systems architecture and design to join their SDA (Space Development Agency) Project. This role involves interfacing between the Iridium Operations team supporting the SDA and the Iridium System Engineering team to develop artifacts for the mesh network and ground segment operations. The position provides critical operations and integration support by implementing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations. The Senior Systems Engineer will interface with the U.S. government regarding Iridium-generated and delivered System Engineering documents for SDA operation centers. Responsibilities include the design, development, and maintenance of functional on-orbit test procedures, ensuring synergy of on-orbit tests with multiple satellite vendors, assisting the SDA in developing operational test procedures, and acting as a liaison between space contractors, ground contractors, and the government team during operations. The role operates in a 24/7, multi-satellite operations environment, requiring 12-hour shifts onsite. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys tackling complex challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and requires an active/current Secret Security Clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field, OR equivalent on-orbit test experience in lieu of a degree
8+ years of relevant experience in satellite operations, satellite on-orbit testing, ground system engineering, software integration and test, and/or software development
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
An ability to 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
Skilled at the mechanics and operations of Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Active/current Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Be a US Citizen

Nice To Haves

An active/current Top-Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
Intelligence Community (IC) or Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition background
Experience with orbital mechanics, space vehicle launches and early orbit functions
Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite such JIRA, R4J and Confluence
Working knowledge of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Responsibilities

Lead the on-orbit checkout and commissioning of a satellite and its ground segment, serving as the primary technical point of contact for all related activities
Develop, author, and execute detailed test plans and procedures for a variety of on-orbit activities, including payload activation, spacecraft subsystem checkouts, and system performance validation
Coordinate and lead integrated test teams, including operators, analysts, and subsystem engineers, to ensure seamless execution of on-orbit checkout procedures and anomaly resolution
Analyze telemetry data in real-time during checkout events to assess system health and performance, identify anomalies, and provide critical insights to the mission team
Conduct root cause analysis for any on-orbit anomalies or performance deviations, working with design engineers and subject matter experts to develop and implement effective solutions
Prepare and present technical briefings to senior leadership and stakeholders, providing updates on mission status, checkout progress, and any identified risks or issues
Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation related to the on-orbit checkout process, including test reports, anomaly logs, and final system performance reports
Generate and develop test procedures, in conjunction with existing plans for on-orbit test procedures
Be responsible for the disposition and maintenance of test procedures
Generate and develop System Engineering documentation as it relates to SDA Operations
Work with satellite vendors to ensure synergy of on-orbit tests
Be responsible for assigned documentation within SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or other relevant Iridium databases or tools
Collaborate with SDA and Iridium program leadership to assess risks and provide recommendations for improvement to on-orbit operations
Provide technical writing assistance in the development of Basis of Efforts (BOE)
Interface between the Iridium Operations team supporting the SDA and the Iridium System Engineering team in developing artifacts associated with the operations of the mesh network and ground segment
Provide integration support to improve our efficiency and effectiveness by implementing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations