Chief 3GPP Core Network Architect

Iridium Communications Inc; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 190,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. seeks a Chief 3GPP Core Network Architect to define the strategic vision for NTN Direct services, 5G NR capabilities, and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks.

You will lead architecture across design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing evolution of new systems while guiding a global Core team. You will collaborate with industry standards bodies to ensure 3GPP/GSMA interoperability, mentor engineers, and drive operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in developing and architecting complex wireless solutions.
• 3+ years of leadership for technical, cross-functional teams.
• Experience with 4G/5G, 5G NTN, NB-IoT architecture and deployments.
• Strong collaboration across departments and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the global technology roadmap for 3GPP Core network capabilities for NTN Direct and future 5G NR NTN services.
• Define and prioritize technical requirements and architecture to optimize NTN performance and scalability.
• Lead architectural strategy for integrating 3GPP Core with network elements, ensuring scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Establish governance, KPIs, and SLAs for large-scale NTN deployments across geographies.
• Drive testing and integration capabilities for onboarding global MNOs and customers to NTN Direct services.

Skills

5G Core Architecture

Cross-functional leadership

IoT NTN expertise

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Interoperability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

As the Chief 3GPP Core Network Architect, you will partner with the Executive Director, System Architecture, to define the strategic vision and roadmap for the evolution of our 3GPP Core network. You will lead the architecture and implementation of solutions supporting NTN Direct services, 5GNR capabilities, and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks. This role will develop innovative approaches leveraging automation and AI to improve operational efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership. You will provide technical leadership across the architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing evolution of new systems and applications. You will also play a key role in onboarding global MNOs and direct customers to the NTN Direct service. Serving as a bridge between network engineering, industry standards, and operational excellence, you will ensure our solutions meet 3GPP and GSMA interoperability requirements. Ultimately, you will help deliver a highly reliable, optimized mobile Core experience for NTN devices worldwide.

What You’ll Do:

• Own and manage the global technology roadmap for 3GPP Core network capabilities supporting IoT NTN TDD, NTN Direct, and future 5G NR NTN services.
• Define and prioritize technical requirements and architectural solutions that optimize NTN performance, mobility, roaming, attach procedures, service continuity, and scalability for global deployments.
• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for an evolvable, scalable 3GPP Core network architecture, leveraging emerging technologies, automation, and AI/ML capabilities to improve operational efficiency and optimize infrastructure utilization.
• Lead the architectural strategy for integrating 3GPP Core systems with upstream and downstream network elements, ensuring solutions are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with long-term business and technology objectives.
• Establish and maintain architectural governance, performance KPIs, and service-level expectations to support highly reliable, large-scale NTN deployments across multiple geographies and regulatory environments.
• Drive the development of scalable testing and integration capabilities to support the onboarding of global mobile network operators (MNOs) and direct customers to NTN Direct services.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise on 3GPP standards, including contributing to the evolution of IoT NTN TDD and defining the path toward future 5G NR and 6G network architectures.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and architectural approaches to address customer opportunities, support strategic business objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive advantage.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with project teams, business stakeholders, executive leadership, partners, and vendors to assess feasibility, define scope, and plan and execute new systems and enhancements.
• Manage strategic vendor and partner relationships, including licensing and technical engagements, while mentoring and guiding Core team members to foster a highly effective and innovative technical organization.

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field of study
• 15+ years of relevant, progressive experience in developing and architecting complex wireless solutions
• 3+ years of experience providing direction and leadership to highly technical, cross-functional teams
• Skilled in 4G, 5G, 5G NTN, and NB-IOT system architecture and deployments with the ability to apply best practices from these systems
• 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 the company faces
• 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 look for ways to enhance and improve current processes and procedures

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Experience in the 3GPP standards-development process
• Experience with 3GPP roaming integration with MVNOs

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to travel occasionally to Iridium locations, including HQ in VA and regional offices in AZ, and as needed to meet with vendors

ADA and EEO

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.

Base Pay Range: $190,000 - $245,000 USD

Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role.You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid time off and paid holidays; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

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