NTN/5G UE Systems Architect

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 an exceptional engineer to join our Systems Architecture team as an NTN User Equipment (UE) Architect – a visionary leader who will help define the roadmap for next-generation connectivity. In this role, you’ll collaborate with Iridium’s chipset, device, and MNO partners to bring cutting-edge features and capabilities to life across Iridium’s NTN Direct and D2D offerings.  In this role, you’ll also partner closely with our product and engineering teams to ensure that the UE features roadmap aligns with the evolving needs of Iridium’s (5G & 6G) NTN service offerings. If you’re passionate about breaking new ground in satellite communications and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do:

• Define and develop an Iridium UE feature specification and drive alignment between partner roadmaps and company strategy
• Be the owner of and track UE portfolio of features across multiple partners/vendors
• Translate network and service requirements into actionable UE technical designs to support IoT NTN TDD and D2D services
• Ensure all designs comply with the latest 3GPP standards and industry best practices
• Collaborate with device partners on end-to-end UE integration and validation
• Drive innovation across the full 5G NTN system design, from concept through performance analysis
• Support Iridium engineering team with troubleshooting; analyze logs for faster problem resolution
• Support demos, trials, and field performance assessments to help showcase our technology’s potential

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Digital Systems, Solid-state Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar program of study; master’s degree preferred
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience, ideally in Satellite Telecommunications or Wireless Communications
• Deep expertise in 3GPP standards (LTE, 5G NR – especially Releases 17 – 19 for NTN)
• Strong understanding of UE architecture, including PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and NAS layers
• Hands-on experience in RF, modem design, or protocol stack development
• Knowledge of UE conformance testing and NTN-specific features such as SIB19/SIB31, Doppler compensation, and timing advance
• Familiarity with network simulation and test tools (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu)
• Familiarity with Jira ticketing system, waterfall, Agile or other project management tools
• Comfortable with Wireshark or other protocol logging and diagnostic tools
• Experience with NGSO or satellite telecommunications systems is a plus
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, including a proved ability to build consensus, drive alignment, and inspire innovation across teams
• Capable of executing independently and leading new initiatives
• Ability to proactively solve problems, think strategically, move quickly, and deliver results that make an impact

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to travel (up to 25%) on occasion, and as needed, to work directly with partners and project teams

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. 

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.