Manager, Network Engineering (Data Services)

Iridium Communications Inc; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc is seeking a Manager, Network Engineering with a Data Services specialty to lead the Gateway data platforms, including Certus and related subsystems. You will guide the Data Services team, coordinate priorities, and ensure secure, compliant operation across on‑prem and cloud environments.

You’ll work with Ops, Service Delivery, and vendors to drive service enhancements, analyze complex issues, and implement scalable data solutions that improve reliability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience
• 8+ years of relevant experience in telecommunications or a related industry
• Working knowledge of Linux (Redhat), IP network infrastructure and elements, and Database systems and tools (MySQL, SharePlex)
• Knowledge of maintaining containers/networking on AWS ECS and EKS
• Excellent communication skills for cross‑departmental collaboration
• Ability to learn quickly, multi‑task, and prioritize tasks while meeting deadlines
• Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for Data Services, coordinating work assignments and priorities within the team
• Mentor and train your team with regular check-ins and feedback
• Provide technical guidance to team members supporting data platforms
• Collaborate with vendors, subcontractors, and consultants to resolve issues
• Institute and maintain data GW subsystems and services, both on premise and cloud based
• Lead new service introductions and enhancements for data platforms
• Ensure data systems comply with SOX audit requirements
• Support automation efforts to improve operational efficiency
• Investigate and resolve complex system issues escalated from other support teams
• Create and maintain maintenance documents for data GW systems and network infrastructure

Skills

Linux (Redhat)

IP network infra

MySQL

SharePlex

AWS ECS

AWS EKS

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS or related field

Tools

Linux (Redhat)

MySQL

SharePlex

AWS ECS

AWS EKS

Ansible

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

Iridium is seeking a Manager, Network Engineering with a specialty in Data Services to join our Gateway Engineering team. The Manager, Data Services leads the support, maintenance, and enhancement actiivities for Iridium's data-centric Gateway (GW) systems including Certus (IMT, GoC, FOCUS), CASP, PTT, SBD (ICC), MA, Burst, and iOP. This position provides last tier support to all ground systems operations including GW Technical Ops, Tier 2 Customer Support, and Service Delivery. In this role, you will also coordinate technical work activities and priorities for the Data Services team, provide technical guidance to team members and serve as the primary point of contact for data service issues and initiatives. This individual will participate in the architecting, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of data systems in response to Iridium business requirements, new service introductions, and SOX audit compliance. Working in this role, you'll gain valuable experience in satellite telecom GW subsystems, both on premise and cloud systems, while making a meaningful impact on Iridium service availability and new service launches. You'll be successful in this role if you can draw on previous Iridium service experiences, triage and diagnose complex issues, and drive solutions across data platforms.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the technical lead for Data Services, coordinating work assignments and priorities within the team

• Mentor and train your team by performing regular check‑ins, discussing career growth opportunities, giving constructive feedback, and acknowledging performance issues when necessary

• Provide technical guidance to team members supporting data platforms

• Work with vendors, subcontractors, and consultants to resolve outstanding issues

• Collaborate with service owners, project managers, developers, and others as necessary

• Institute and maintain data GW subsystems and services, both on premise and cloud based

• Lead new service introductions and enhancements for data platforms

• Participate in the administration and maintenance of remote monitoring and management systems: update agent scripts, and perform periodic system reviews

• Identify, investigate and resolve operations issues and work closely with the Operations team to improve maintenance procedures and achieve successful troubleshooting

• Ensure data systems maintain compliance with SOX audit requirements

• Support and advance automation efforts to improve operational efficiency

• Investigate and resolve complex system issues escalated from other internal support teams

• Coordinate with vendors to define and improve methods of operations and processes

• Create and maintain maintenance documents for all data GW systems and network infrastructure

• Work closely with the System Validation and Test (SVT) team to make sure products have been tested thoroughly

• Provide technical support to external and internal groups

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree

• 8+ years of relevant experience in telecommunications or a related industry. Current Iridium employees with 5-7 years of relevant experience may also qualify based on documented strong performance and demonstrated experience leading technical initiatives, resolving complex data service or Gateway system issues, and coordinating system enhancements or deployments across teams

• Working knowledge, from installation to maintenance, of Linux operating system (Redhat), IP network infrastructure and elements, and Database systems and tools (MySQL, SharePlex); working knowledge of maintaining containers/networking on AWS ECS and EKS

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to cross‑departmental groups or those unfamiliar with the topic

• The ability to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team

• A detail-oriented, 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

• The ability to learn quickly, multi‑task, and prioritize your own tasks and the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Direct experience with one or more data platforms: Certus, CASP, PTT, SBD, MA, Burst, or iOP

• AWS certification (i.e., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified AI Practitioner, etc.)

• Knowledge of the following:

• Communications systems architecture development

• Circuit and packet switched voice and data communications

• Experience in any of: IPv4 networks, Virtual Machines, Ansible, realtime systems

• Direct experience with systems software life cycle

• Experience in IP network engineering, development, integration, and testing

We’ll also need you to:

• Be a U.S. citizen, which is required to meet the government program access requirements of this position

• Be on call to support major network issues

• Be able to travel up to 10%

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 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: $115,000 - $150,000

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.