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:

Iridium is seeking a Director, Software Engineering Ground Systems Development reporting to the VP General Manager, Space Development who will be a key member of a leadership team developing a complex Department of Defense (DoD) government space program. As the Software Engineering Lead, you will be in charge of a team that develops and maintains the software for ground system control, planning, and operations of satellite constellations. In this role, you’ll lead the software team in the development, test, and implementation of systems, processes, procedures, and software tools for all ground operations pertaining to Ground Terminals and Operations Centers for satellite constellations.  You will lead and oversee all design, implementation, integration, and transition to operations for these ground systems. If you’re passionate about leading and mentoring a team, then we want to talk to you.

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

What You’ll Do:

• Manage, foster and develop a high performing team of software engineers to provide new design and development of ground systems and related operations software for satellite constellations, as well as sustainment of operationally deployed systems
• Establish strong working relationships with customers and suppliers to drive solutions which maximize effectiveness of the Ground Development team’s deliverables, while recognizing the bounds of contractual obligations
• Mentor and train your team by evaluating employees’ performance, recognizing areas for improvement, and providing reliable solutions to problems that may impact your team’s effectiveness
• Manage the staffing and solution strategy of the Ground Software Development team, including identifying skills and experience needed for new hires, developing existing team skillsets, and supporting existing and evolving team tasks including new government projects
• Lead the Ground Development team in cross-functional projects and tasking, ensuring operational performance is optimized while meeting all program objectives
• Be accountable for meeting critical technical objectives and related technical milestones and deliverables
• Develop a vision, including outlining strategic plans and objectives, for the evolution of development skills, tools, and engineering processes for efficient, effective delivery of developed system elements

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or related field
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the satellite ground development industry, including experience with USG satellite development programs
• Previous management experience of a software engineering team
• Software development expertise including agile development process and demonstrated success with large scale software development projects
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groups
• 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 mentality and be able to build valuable relationships with executive leadership and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Be a strategic thinker who continuously looks for new and enhanced ways of doing things
• Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to critical situations
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
• Can manage multiple or complex projects while adhering to deadlines and budget limitations

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

• Master’s degree in Science or related field
• Experience with development of satellite space vehicle constellations and ground system components
• Understanding of DoD mission and use cases for space systems

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to travel when necessary
• US Citizenship is required

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in the company office or in a home office. The position is largely sedentary with the majority of the position sitting in a chair and working with a computer. The role uses basic office equipment including a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse and printer. For in person meetings, this position will need to be able stand, walk within the office and climb stairs on occasion.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as a protected veteran. EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability and other protected categories.