Associate Director, Network Infrastructure

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 have experience in network infrastructure, systems engineering, and leadership, and have over 12 years of experience in technical operations, then you will be excited about the Associate Director, Network Infrastructure opening with Iridium on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As an Associate Director, Network Infrastructure, you will be responsible for working with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives across both the mission network and Ground Entry Point (GEP) sites. In this role, your main focus will be to lead a diverse, cross-functional team that supports secure network operations as well as installation, maintenance, and sustainment of remote teleport sites. You’ll bring a passion for technical excellence, team mentorship, and driving operational readiness.

 

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

What You’ll Do:

• Foster and develop a highly efficient team of network engineers and GEP operations specialists responsible for secure mission infrastructure and on-site equipment readiness
• Mentor and train your team by performing regular check-ins, discussing career growth opportunities, giving constructive feedback, and acknowledging performance issues when necessary
• Lead the planning, implementation, and maintenance of SDA infrastructure, including network architecture, firewalls, compute/storage systems, and Linux-based environments (RHOSP, Kubernetes, U/X)
• Oversee GEP site operations including antenna installation, equipment lifecycle support, preventive maintenance, and anomaly response
• Develop and track performance metrics and compliance standards, ensuring infrastructure availability, incident response, and physical site integrity
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts between engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and logistics to enable secure and reliable mission execution
• Provide clear communication and executive briefings on operational status, risk, and strategic recommendations for improvements across infrastructure and GEP operations

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 12+ years of relevant experience in managing network systems in a technical environment
• Previous management experience required
• Experience administering and maintaining Kubernetes, AWS, OpenStack, and/or Linux environments
• Experience with LAN/WAN networks and Firewall vendors including Juniper, Cisco ASA, Check Point, Palo Alto, and Fortinet platforms
• Hands-on understanding of site infrastructure requirements and Radio Frequency (RF)/antenna system operations
• Ability to manage projects involving both IT systems and field deployment logistics
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and confidently recognize and adapt to different communication techniques 
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and role modelling commitment to your team’s goals 
• Have a people-oriented