Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner

Company Overview

Iridium is an award‑winning and innovative satellite communications company with a unique network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium’s network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

We understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. Across the globe, first responders, humanitarian volunteers, global militaries, scientific researchers, lone workers, ships, aircraft, and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. Our commitment to providing reliable lifelines is matched by a workplace that encourages innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Product Owner on the Ground System Development team, you will manage multiple activities and projects, coordinating with cross‑functional teams to deliver customer‑driven Ground System Management Systems. Success in this role requires strong technical and communication skills in mission planning, ground system software development, and hardware interfaces.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to the Technical Roadmap and support the design, implementation, and operation of the Ground Resource Manager (GRM) and Flight Management System (FMS) software components required to meet SDA PWSA mission objectives.
• Lead collaborative efforts with the Mission Management team to develop ground software components based on modern industry platforms, languages, and deployment techniques.
• Prioritize software development objectives within Iridium’s Agile/Scrum framework.
• Plan and execute software releases, providing input into stakeholder/program schedules and budgets.
• Provide technical and analytical support to stakeholders to promote informed decision‑making.
• Assist in ground system operations process, procedure, and training documentation, and identify technical training needs.
• Deliver constructive feedback and proactively share guidance and knowledge.
• Collaborate cross‑team with stakeholders to define technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate risks, and remove barriers to success.
• Interface with operations teams to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly.
• Interface with customers to explain the status of GRM/FMS software development.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, OR equivalent relevant experience.
• 10+ years of experience in the aerospace industry, specifically in the development and operation of complex satellite ground systems.
• Broad knowledge of satellite operations, mission planning, and satellite subsystems.
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and issues clearly and confidently.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with senior leadership and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, generating effective solutions and seeing them through to completion.
• Creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions on new assignments.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities.
• Proactive mindset in sharing knowledge with others.

Things That Would Be Great if You Brought to the Table

• Experience defining, analyzing, and documenting RF and optical communication system interface requirements.
• Experience with satellite RF communications theory or practical experience.
• Experience designing, developing, and operating space vehicle subsystems and command and control systems (e.g., OS Comet, InControl).
• Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cycle process.
• Programming skills in Java, JavaScript, Python, shell scripting.
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, and related infrastructure.

We’ll Also Need You to

• Travel up to 5% of the time.
• Be a U.S. citizen.

Work Environment

The position is primarily office‑based, largely sedentary, and involves extensive computer work. Basic office equipment such as a phone, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer will be used. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) 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.

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