Engineer III - Flight Dynamics Systems Development

Engineer III - Flight Dynamics Systems Development

Job Locations US-VA-Reston

Job ID 2026-4891

Category

Engineering

Worker Category

Regular Full-Time[F]

Company Overview

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

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We're Looking For:

If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Engineer III - Flight Dynamics Systems Development position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a n Engineer III on the Ground System Development team, you'll independently deliver high-quality work across multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to support customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. In this role, you will collaborate with a team of Engineers , Scrum Masters and other Product Owners to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management S oftware . To thrive, you'll need strong technical and communication skills in Mission Planning , Ground System software development , and hardware interface s .

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 coordinating the Technical Roadmap , including design, implement ation , and operat ion of the Flight Dynamics System (F D S) software components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture ) mission objective s

• Play a role in the collaborative efforts and initiatives with the Mission Management team to develop ground software components founded upon modern industry standard platforms, languages, and deployment techniques
• Prioritize software development objectives within the Iridium-defined Agile/Scrum framework
• Plan and execute software releases, providing input into stakeholder/program schedules and budgets
• Provide technical and analytics support to stakeholders to promote informed decision making
• A ssist in ground system operations process/procedure/training documentation and identify technical training needs
• Deliver constructive, meaningful feedback and proactively offer guidance and knowledge-sharing
• Collaborate cross - team with s takeholder s to define technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical ris ks , and remove barriers to success
• Interface with the operations team to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly
• Interface with customer explaining the status of FDS software development

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in A erospace E ngineering , Computer Science , or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry , specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Satellite Ground System s
• Breadth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning , and satellite subsystem
• Strong communication skills, with the abi l i t y to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the abi l i t y to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• B e comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

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

• Experience with defining, analyzing and documenting RF (Radio Frequency) and optical communication system interface requirements
• Experience with Satellite RF Communications theory or practical experience
• Experience with designing, developing, and operating Space Vehi cle Subsystems and various command and control systems (e.g. OS Comet, InControl, etc.)
• Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cy cle process
• Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.

We'll also need you to:

• B e able to travel up to 5%
• Be a U . S . Citizen

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 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.