Engineer III, Mission Planner

Iridium; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock and annual bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan options

Paid time off and holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Iridium is seeking an Engineer III, Mission Planner for a Space Development Agency project in Huntsville. You will monitor and control ground systems across a 24/7 multi-satellite operations environment, scheduling resources and creating mission products. A Top Secret clearance is required to join the team.

You’ll work 12-hour shifts, support office-based operations, and partner across teams to optimize procedures while ensuring mission success in a cutting-edge space system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years directly applicable space/satellite experience.
• Proficient with standard MS Office/engineering tools.
• Ability to work in a high paced operational environment with off-hours support.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Schedule satellite and ground resources to meet mission objectives.
• Create and distribute satellite/ground schedules, antenna tables, routing almanacs.
• Collaborate with teams to deconflict maintenance events and tasks.
• Develop and maintain Mission Planning procedures.
• Identify and implement tools/process improvements for operations.

Skills

Satellite/space experience

MS Office proficiency

Communication skills

Leadership/build relationships

Analytical mindset

Adaptability

Multitasking/ownership

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

Python

Perl

C++

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.

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 Engineer III, 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 (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You’ll Do:

• Perform 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
• Create, validate, and distribute all necessary products for the network including satellite and ground site schedules, antenna acquisition tables, and satellite routing almanacs
• Work closely with other teams to incorporate and deconflict maintenance events and special scheduling tasks
• Take an active role in the development and maintenance of Mission Planning 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 OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ 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 confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the readiness to take on any new tasks that are handed to you
• The ability to handle multiple tasks at once and complete them on time with mostly no errors; must be able to prioritize tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

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 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: $92,000 - $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.