Systems Engineer III, On-Orbit Test Coordinator
About The Position
Iridium is hiring a Systems Engineer III for its Space Development Agency (SDA) project. The role supports satellite on-orbit checkout and commissioning, including the development and execution of test procedures and systems engineering artifacts that support SDA operations. The engineer provides operations and integration support by developing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations, and interfaces with the U.S. government on Iridium-generated systems engineering documents governing operations at SDA operation centers. The position focuses on designing, developing, maintaining, and executing functional on-orbit test procedures; coordinating test activities across satellite vendors and other participating teams; and serving as a liaison among space contractors, ground contractors, and government stakeholders. It also includes analyzing telemetry, investigating anomalies, preparing mission briefings and documentation, and coordinating operational improvements. The work is performed onsite in a 24/7, multi-satellite operations environment on 12-hour shifts, four days on and four days off. The position is primarily office-based and largely sedentary, with at least four days per week expected in an Iridium office under the company’s hybrid work policy. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time. An active/current Secret Security Clearance and U.S. citizenship are required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent on-orbit test experience in lieu of a degree.
- At least 5 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 systems engineering methodologies and AGILE processes.
- Strong familiarity with tools and software applications that support systems engineering best practices.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to present products, deliverables, analyses, and issues confidently.
- Analytical mindset and ability to understand problems, think critically, and make decisions or develop solutions.
- Comfort managing upward, communicating proactively, and asking for help when needed.
- Ability to establish valuable relationships with others.
- Ability to prioritize key tasks and take ownership of work.
- Interest in continuous improvement and gaining new knowledge.
- Skill in the mechanics and operations of Low Earth Orbit satellites.
- Active/current Secret Security Clearance; a U.S. clearance active within the past 24 months is considered active.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Ability to work shifts of four days on and four days off, with 12 hours expected per shift.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Active/current Top Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain one; a U.S. clearance active within 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.
- Experience with programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, or shell scripting.
- Familiarity with the Atlassian Tool Suite, such as JIRA, R4J, and Confluence.
- Working knowledge of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
Responsibilities
- Support on-orbit checkout and commissioning of satellites and associated ground-segment activities, coordinating technical inputs and deliverables across participating teams.
- Maintain and execute detailed test plans and procedures for on-orbit activities, including payload activation, spacecraft subsystem checkouts, and system performance validation.
- Coordinate operators, analysts, subsystem engineers, satellite vendors, contractors, and government stakeholders to execute test activities and resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Analyze telemetry data in real time during checkout events to assess system health and performance, identify anomalies, and provide insights to the mission team.
- Conduct root-cause analysis of on-orbit anomalies or performance deviations and work with design engineers and subject matter experts to develop and implement solutions.
- Prepare and present technical briefings to senior leadership and stakeholders on mission status, checkout progress, risks, and issues.
- Maintain checkout documentation, including test reports, anomaly logs, and final system performance reports.
- Generate test procedures in conjunction with existing on-orbit test plans, and manage their disposition and maintenance.
- Work with satellite vendors to ensure synergy of on-orbit tests.
- Manage assigned documentation in SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or other relevant Iridium databases or tools.
- Collaborate with SDA and Iridium program leadership to assess risks and recommend improvements to on-orbit operations.
- Provide technical writing assistance in developing Basis of Efforts (BOE).
- Interface between the Iridium Operations team supporting SDA and the Iridium Systems Engineering team to develop artifacts related to mesh-network and ground-segment operations.
- Provide integration support by implementing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations.
Benefits
- Company stock may be available.
- Annual bonus may be available.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan options.
- Paid time off.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- Other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
