Principal Systems Engineer

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.

If you are an experienced systems engineer with a background in space systems architecture and design, and have at least 10 years of experience, you will be excited about the Principal Systems Engineer opening with Iridium on our SDA (Space Development Agency) Project. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to design, integrate, and deliver core system components for successful program 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, taking ownership of solutions, and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Work independently to provide 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
• 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
• Play a key role in conducting 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
• Collaborate with system architects and project managers to define system-level requirements, establish technical baselines, and track performance metrics throughout the integration process

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field, OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree
• 10+ 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

• 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

• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be a US Citizen
• Be able to work in the office at least 2 days a week to foster collaboration with the team

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.

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