Operations Engineer II, Mission Planner

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 are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Engineer II, Mission Planner opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Mission Planner, you’ll participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems at one of the Operations Centers. You will work 12-hour shifts with a team in a 24-hour, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you have a desire to be part of a team on the forefront of one of the most advanced satellite constellations in the world and are highly motivated and passionate about engineering and space systems. 

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

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with performing the scheduling of all satellite and ground resources to accomplish mission objectives; perform activity deconfliction, resource allocation, and determine optimal load balancing for traffic on the network  
• Help with creating, validating, and distributing all necessary products for the network including satellite and ground site schedules, antenna acquisition tables, and satellite routing almanacs 
• Work collaboratively with other teams to incorporate and deconflict maintenance events and special scheduling tasks 
• Support the development and maintenance of Mission Planning procedures  
• Identify and support recommended improvements to tools, data workflows, and processes that enhance efficiency and reliability within mission planning operations 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree 
• 2+ years directly applicable experience working with satellites or in the space field 
• Proficient with standard Microsoft Office/engineering tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)  
• Ability to work in a high-paced operational environment often providing off-hours support 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information and ideas to others  
• Have confidence and be able to easily build meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team  
• Must be able to prioritize your tasks, be self-aware enough to identify and correct mistakes, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed  
• Be active in seeking out ways to improve yourself and gain new knowledge, and be enthusiastic in sharing knowledge with others   

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

• General knowledge working in a Linux operating system 
• General understanding of mission planning and satellite operations 
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills (Python, Perl, and/or C++) 

We’ll also need you to:

• Work 12-hour shifts 
• Be a U.S. Citizen 

Work Environment: 

This position exclusively works onsite in a classified operations center; remote work is not available. 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 meetings in person, this position will need to be able stand, walk within the office and climb stairs on occasion.  

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.  

Equal Employment Opportunity  

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.