Principal Engineer, Satellite Ground Systems Architect

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 Satellite Ground Systems Architect for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Satellite Ground Systems Architect, you will be the visionary and lead designer for the next generation of our satellite ground system. This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise and strategic foresight to translate complex mission needs (Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Network Management, and Ground Resource Management) into robust and scalable architectural solutions. You will be a key influencer, guiding critical decisions, balancing ambitious designs with real-world constraints, working with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives, and serving as the technical authority for both our internal teams and external customers. Your work will directly shape the future capabilities and operational success of our satellite constellation.

 

This position requires an active/current Secret Security Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You’ll Do:

• Architect and design comprehensive technical solutions for a cutting-edge satellite constellation ground system, encompassing all aspects from concept of operations (CONOPS) and software applications to support tools and interfaces
• Analyze existing system architecture, tools, and processes to proactively identify areas for improvement, and propose and evaluate a range of solutions that enhance system efficiency, operational effectiveness, and mission success
• Produce authoritative architectural design descriptions and technical documentation for systems and components, ensuring seamless communication and delivery to systems engineering and development teams
• Develop and champion long-term technical roadmaps that align with and support the strategic vision for the entire satellite ground system
• Balance an ideal architectural vision with the pragmatic constraints of development budgets, schedules, and resources, making critical trade-off decisions to ensure project viability and success
• Conduct and present in-depth trade studies to senior leadership and customers, providing data-driven recommendations that inform critical program decisions
• Provide senior-level technical guidance and oversight throughout the development lifecycle of the satellite ground systems, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and mission objectives
• Collaborate strategically with customer leadership to define and integrate future capabilities, ensuring the system remains relevant and effective for evolving mission needs
• Review and evaluate plans and designs from prime, sub, and associate contractors to ensure technical alignment, system integrity, and seamless integration across all segments
• Provide sound technical justification and strategic guidance for new initiatives to program management, articulating the value and necessity of proposed architectural changes
• Serve as a key technical leader and mentor for systems engineers and developers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
• Lead and direct the resolution of complex system anomalies and contingency scenarios, providing expert guidance to