Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Job Locations: US-VA-Reston | US-AZ-Chandler

Job ID: 2026-5030

Category: Engineering

Worker Category: Regular Full-Time[F]

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.

What We're Looking For:

If you are an experienced systems engineer with a background in space systems architecture and design, and have at least 8 years of experience, you will be excited about the Senior Systems Engineer opening with Iridium on our SDA (Space Development Agency) Project. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions as it relates to the design and development of core ground system components, working with cross-functional teams to ensure successful mission outcomes. In this role, you will focus primarily on the architecture and integration of Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Ground Entry Point Management, and Fleet Operations Monitoring. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy tackling complex challenges and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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).

What You'll Do:

• 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

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• 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

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• 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

We'll also need you to:

• 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

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least four days per week (approximately 80%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Base Pay Range: $120,000 - $160,000 USD

Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.