Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner

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 passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Principal Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Product Owner on the Ground System Development team, you'll be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to deliver customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. In this role, you will work alongside a team of Engineers, Scrum Masters and other Product Owners leading a team to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management Software. To thrive, you'll need excellent technical and communication skills in Mission Planning, Ground System software development and hardware interfaces.

Contribute to the Technical Roadmap and support the design, implement, and operate the Ground Resource Manager (GRM) and Flight Management System (FMS) software components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) mission objectives
• Lead 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
• Leverage experience to assist 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 stakeholders to define technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical risks, and remove barriers to success
• Interface with operations team to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly
• Interface with customer explaining the status of GRM/FMS software development

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry, specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Satellite Ground Systems
• Breadth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning, and satellite subsystem
• 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 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 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
• Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.

• Be able to travel up to 5%
• Be a US Citizen

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.