Manager, Ground Software

Iridium; Chandler (AZ); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Stock option eligibility

Job summary

Iridium seeks a Manager, Ground Software to lead a high-performing team in a SDA project. You’ll drive software for ground systems handling scheduling, flight dynamics, data archiving, and UI work in a satellite operations setting.

You will mentor engineers, plan releases, and promote Agile/SAFe practices while collaborating with SDA and Iridium leadership; a Secret clearance is required or in process.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software development with leadership experience.
• Experience with agile practices and SAFe is a plus.
• Strong communication and mentorship abilities.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Foster and develop a high-performing software team for ground systems.
• Mentor engineers, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts.
• Develop software for mission planning, network management, and flight dynamics.
• Plan and release software aligned with schedules and budget.
• Improve Agile/Scrum practices using Atlassian tools and SAFe.
• Collaborate with SDA and Iridium leadership to improve processes.
• Present technical content clearly to stakeholders.
• Support cost accounting in EVMS programs.

Skills

Leadership

Agile practices

Communication

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science

Tools

Python

Perl

C++

Matlab

Kubernetes

Docker

OpenShift

GitLab

JFrog Artifactory

Jira

Bitbucket

Confluence

XML/JSON/SQL/NoSQL (MongoDB)

Microservices/RESTful APIs

ELK stack

Bash scripting

Apache

JavaScript

WebSockets

Job description

Company Overview 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 software development and 8+ years of experience in the software development/engineering field, then you will be excited about the Manager, Ground Software opening with Iridium on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Manager, Ground Software, you’ll be responsible for managing a high-performing team of engineers and driving software development for ground systems used to manage scheduling of resources, flight dynamics, user interfaces, data archiving and retrieval, etc. within a satellite operations environment. You’ll bring a passion for leading technical teams, mentoring engineers, and solving complex problems with scalable, high-impact solutions.

Possess an active/current Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret 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 software engineers to design, develop, and sustain mission-critical ground system software supporting the SDA mission
• Mentor and train your team by performing regular check-ins, discussing career growth opportunities, giving constructive feedback, and managing conflict when necessary
• Work independently to develop and optimize software solutions related to mission planning, network management, and flight dynamics for scalability and performance
• Plan and execute software releases aligned with program schedules and budget requirements
• Play a role in improving and executing Agile/Scrum practices using Atlassian tools and SAFe methodology
• Collaborate with SDA and Iridium software leadership to drive continuous improvement in software development processes
• Edit, structure, and present technical content and briefings clearly and succinctly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Support cost account management in an EVMS (Earned Value Management System) program

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or related field
• 8+ years of experience in software development, including leading a team of engineers
• Experience with agile practices
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and role modelling commitment to your team’s goals
• Have a team-oriented mentality and be able to easily build meaningful relationships with others and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic
• Be able to analyze and understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with new and unique solutions
• Be self-motivated and possess a high degree of creativity, independence, and resourcefulness
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
• Can thrive in a dynamic environment and efficiently manage multiple projects for yourself and your team while making sure to meet deadlines

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

• Familiarity with the following technologies:
• Python, Perl, C++, Matlab
• Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift
• GitLab, JFrog Artifactory, Atlassian Suite (Jira, Bitbucket, Confluence)
• XML/JSON/SQL and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB)
• Microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, ELK stack, Bash scripting
• Web technologies such as Apache, JavaScript, WebSockets

We’ll also need you to:

• Be a US 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 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: 185000-240000 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.