Vice President, Engineering

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:

If you have experience in delivering important national security space and ground solutions, then you will be excited about the Vice President, Engineering opening with Iridium.  In this role, you will manage a high performing engineering organization that is delivering on multiple critical complex space and ground systems for the U.S. Government.  Your main focus will be to manage and grow the engineering team and enable Iridium to resource a fast-paced, high growth portfolio focused on development and operations of satellite, communications, PNT, and ground systems.   

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

What You’ll Do:

• Foster and develop a highly effective team of engineering professionals focused on delivering space and ground solutions to national security customers 
• Provide strategic leadership for engineering support for the company’s national security portfolio, ensuring alignment with corporate growth objectives and government customer priorities 
• Direct and integrate cross-functional teams including systems, software, and network engineering to deliver on program commitments and new business pursuits 
• Guide program execution across active contracts to ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements 
• Partner with the business development team to identify new opportunities, shape requirements, and position the company competitively for upcoming solicitations 
• Assist with bid/no-bid evaluations based on strategic fit, risk, and return 
• Ensure operational readiness and scalability to support awarded work, including workforce planning, subcontractor coordination, and infrastructure alignment 
• Foster strong relationships with prime contractors, government stakeholders, and internal executives to support long-term partnerships and contract growth 
• Champion continuous improvement in proposal processes, program delivery, and cross-functional collaboration 
• Mentor and develop senior leaders and functional heads, driving accountability, performance, and succession planning 
• Represent the company at executive reviews, customer briefings, and industry engagements related to program performance and engineering solutions for new customer initiatives 
• Align strategic priorities across functions to balance execution of current contracts with pursuit of new work and long-term portfolio growth 
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to corporate strategy, organizational planning, and growth initiatives 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree preferable in engineering discipline OR equivalent relevant experience with non-technical degree 
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the government contracting industry with a focus on national security and space or ground related programs 
• Previous management experience of large teams of engineering professionals for national security space programs 
• The ability to manage complex systems and manage risk for engineering solutions 
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and exemplifying commitment to the company’s goals 
• Excellent leadership qualities and the means to hold yourself and others accountable for their work 
• A strategic mindset and the ability to facilitate collaboration across multiple departments 
• The skills needed to tackle complex challenges head on 
• Able to confidently drive discussions, make decisions, and respond to difficult situations 
• Actively looks for opportunities for growth to improve the way things are done 

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

• Master’s degree in engineering discipline 
• Business development and strategy experience 
• Previous experience in national security with the U.S. Government 

We’ll also need you to:

• Be a U.S. citizen 
• Be able to travel up to 20% 

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.