Engineer III, Flight Dynamics Analyst

Iridium; Grand Forks Air Force Base (ND); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Iridium is seeking a Flight Dynamics Analyst for a Space Development Agency project. You will monitor ground systems from Grand Forks, ND or Huntsville, AL, working 12-hour shifts in a 24-hour satellite ops environment. A U.S.

Secret Clearance is required and you will collaborate with a high‑caliber team on a world‑class constellation. The role demands a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years in space or satellite work, with strong orbital mechanics knowledge and proficiency in MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years directly applicable experience working with satellites or in the space field.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and related physics.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office/engineering tools.
• Ability to work in a high paced operational environment with off-hours support.

Responsibilities

• Perform orbit analysis, constellation position trending, real time monitoring, and management.
• Develop and validate station-keeping maneuvers and assist in maneuver planning for ascent, collision avoidance, and cross-track maneuvers.
• Support real-time conjunction analysis to assess collision risk and implement mitigations.
• Ensure quality and timely generation of predictive orbital events for other domains.
• Develop and maintain Flight Dynamics procedures and improve tools and processes.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Orbital mechanics

Satellite operations

Communication

Analytical mindset

Proactive communicator

Ownership

U.S. citizenship

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Linux

Job description

Company Overview

Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global voice and data network, delivering reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth. For more than 20 years, Iridium has powered mission-critical communications for governments, businesses, aviation, maritime, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things.

Now part of Iridium, Aireon is the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system, providing real-time visibility of aircraft over oceans, the poles, and remote regions. Together, Iridium and Aireon are helping build a safer, more connected, and more efficient future for global aviation.

Join our team and help shape how the world stays connected. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where employees are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact.

What We're Looking For:

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Flight Dynamics Analyst opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Flight Dynamics Analyst, you'll participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems at the Operations Centers in Grand Forks, ND or Huntsville, AL. 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 Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You'll Do:

• Perform orbit analysis, constellation position trending, real time monitoring, and management
• Develop and validate all station-keeping maneuvers to maintain tight pointing and crosslink requirements and assist in the execution all maneuver planning for ascent, collision avoidance, and cross-track maneuvers
• Support the team by conducting real-time conjunction analysis to assess the risk of collision and execute mitigation efforts as deemed necessary
• Ensure the quality and timely generation of predictive orbital events to support other domains
• Take an active role in the development and maintenance of Flight Dynamics procedures
• Continuously look for ways to improve tools and processes for streamlined operations

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 5+ years directly applicable experience working with satellites or in the space field
• An understanding of orbital mechanics and related physics
• 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 confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• Be comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledgeThe ability to handle multiple tasks at once and complete them on time with mostly no errors

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

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
• General knowledge working in a Linux operating system
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills
• General understanding of satellite operations, orbit dynamics, and satellite subsystems

We'll also need you to:

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

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 four days per week (approximately 80%) 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: $90,000 - $120,000 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.