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:

The Executive Director Technology & Strategic Transactions, Legal will report to Iridium’s Vice President, Legal for IP and Litigation and serve as the Legal Department’s lead for technology and strategic transactions.  In this role, you’ll also have an opportunity to work on related matters, including protecting and defending Iridium’s IP, privacy, dispute resolution, and product and service liability issues.  Collaborating closely with Iridium’s Sales, Engineering, and Contracts teams, you'll provide expert legal advice and draft and negotiate contracts for the procurement, licensing, and sale of the cutting-edge technologies at the heart of Iridium’s business.  In addition, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting and advising on transactional and other legal issues underlying Iridium’s groundbreaking Iridium NTN DirectSM initiative (https://www.iridium.com/ntn-direct/).  We're seeking a business-savvy legal leader with technological expertise to drive innovative strategies for building and growing Iridium’s business in the dynamic global markets that Iridium navigates.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the drafting and negotiating of complicated technology transaction contracts in support of Iridium’s most strategic and high-profile efforts to grow its business
• Oversee the development and evolution of Iridium’s library of standard commercial contract forms for Iridium’s network of value-added distribution Partners
• Draft end user and other software and IP license agreements in support of Iridium’s sales of communications equipment and services
• Support Iridium’s Commercial Contracts and Sales teams in negotiating and resolving sticking points in closing contracts with new, value-added distribution Partners
• Advise Iridium’s Government Contracts and Government Programs teams on data rights and IP issues under contracts with the U.S. Government, including under the FAR, DFARS, and other agency acquisition supplements
• Advise Iridium’s Procurement team and Technology Development Organization on the procurement of third-party technology, software, and intellectual property to support Iridium’s satellite network or for incorporation into communications equipment and services that Iridium sells to its value-added distribution Partners, including software licensed under various different free and open-source licenses
• Advise on IP, technology, and related aspects of M&A transactions, from structuring and due diligence to deal agreement drafting and negotiation
• Advise Iridium management and executives about legal risks and opportunities associated with Iridium’s procurement and distribution models and the resolution of contractual disputes 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar or eligible for admission as corporate counsel
• 7-10 years’ experience of corporate law practice with a focus on technology transactions and commercial contracts, including a mix of at least 3-5 years of top-tier law firm experience and in-house experience with a technology company; consumer electronics or telecommunications company a plus
• Strong background drafting, negotiating, and closing complex technology transaction and commercial sales and procurement contracts with a track record of delivering results
• Knowledge of the common free and open-source software licenses and experience managing free and open-source software license compliance efforts
• Outstanding communication skills and an adeptness at translating complicated legal or technical issues into understandable concepts for coworkers and company executives
• A creative and strategic mindset with the ability to drive deals to closure
• A self-starting and proactive attitude with the ability to think on your feet and a knack for facilitating collaboration across company departments, motivating colleagues, and exemplifying a commitment to the company’s goals
• Excellent leadership qualities and the ability to promote collaboration across multiple departments
• Be an effective communicator who can lead discussions and confidently respond to challenges that face the company
• The ability to identify and evaluate issues and put ideas and solutions into motion
• Must possess a strategic mindset, good judgment, and strong decision-making ability
• Continuously looks for ways to enhance and improve current processes and procedures

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

• Technical background with an engineering, computer science, or similar technical degree
• Experience dealing with data rights and IP issues in U.S. Government contracts and familiarity with the data rights clauses of the FAR, DFARS, and other agency acquisition supplements
• Experience managing compliance with worldwide privacy laws and regulations
• Experience navigating product and service liability issues
• Patent prosecution experience
• Litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience

We’ll also need you to:

• Be on call
• Be able to travel up to 10%

Work Environment:

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.