Manager, Partner Product Engineering (UE Development & Certification)

Iridium Communications Inc.; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc invites applications for a Manager, Partner Product Engineering in McLean, VA. You will lead a vertically aligned engineering team responsible for enabling end-to-end partner success across UE development and certification.

You’ll drive ownership across product families and ensure alignment with cross-functional teams and partner needs. You’ll mentor engineers, deliver high-quality technical support, and oversee partner engagement from onboarding to post-launch

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in engineering, RF systems, product development, or certification.
• Experience working with external partners or customers in a technical capacity.
• Strong background in RF performance, system integration, and testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Foster and develop a highly effective team of Partner Product Engineers (Grades 5–8) to deliver high-quality technical support, certification readiness, and partner engagement across multiple UE programs.
• Mentor and train your team through regular check-ins, career development discussions, and constructive feedback.
• Drive execution of partner UE development and certification activities across multiple programs.
• Establish and reinforce vertical ownership across product families (Certus, Narrowband, Services).
• Lead partner engagement from onboarding through certification and post-launch support.
• Analyze data to monitor certification progress, partner satisfaction, and quality trends.
• Leverage knowledge of UE development, RF performance, and test methodologies to train team members.
• Develop and improve processes, tools, and documentation to reduce friction in partner development.
• Coordinate readiness for new products, features, and certification requirements.
• Escalate complex partner and technical issues as needed.
• Ensure alignment with Systems, Certification, Product Management, and Customer Support Engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field

Tools

Linux

Python

Test systems

Jira

Git

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, Partner Product Engineering who is looking to take an exciting next step in their career. As the Manager, you will lead a vertically aligned, product-focused engineering team responsible for enabling end-to-end partner success across User Equipment (UE) development and certification. In this role, you’ll be responsible for driving execution, establishing clear ownership across product families, and ensuring strong alignment with cross‑functional teams and partner needs. If you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity to mentor engineers and strengthen Iridium’s partner ecosystem, then we want to talk to you.

What You’ll Do:

• Foster and develop a highly effective team of Partner Product Engineers (Grades 5–8) to deliver high-quality technical support, certification readiness, and partner engagement across multiple UE programs.
• Mentor and train your team by performing regular check-ins, discussing career development, giving constructive feedback, and addressing performance challenges when necessary.
• Work independently to drive execution of partner UE development and certification activities across multiple programs
• Responsible for establishing and reinforcing vertical ownership across product families (Certus, Narrowband, Services)
• Lead partner engagement from onboarding through certification and post‑launch support
• Analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions to monitor certification progress, partner satisfaction, and quality trends
• Possess specialized knowledge of UE development, RF performance, and test methodologies—and use it to train team members
• Develop and continuously improve processes, tools, and documentation to reduce friction in partner development
• Execute operational readiness for new products, features, and certification requirements
• Function/serve as the escalation point for complex partner and technical issues
• Create clear accountability across product lines and ensure alignment with Systems, Certification, Product Management, and Customer Support Engineering
• Identify gaps in partner workflows and drive cross-functional alignment
• Mobilize lab resources, test assets, and engineering tools to support partner validation and certification
• Oversee reporting on key performance metrics and drive improvements in time‑to‑market and certification efficiency
• Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality engineering support across all partner programs

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field
• 8+ years of relevant experience in engineering, RF systems, product development, or certification
• Experience working with external partners or customers in a technical capacity
• Strong background in RF performance, system integration, and testing methodologies
• Experience with engineering tools and environments (Linux, Python, test systems, Jira, Git)
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and role‑model 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 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 meeting deadlines

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Familiarity with global regulatory and certification processes
• Experience scaling engineering teams and implementing new organizational models
• Previous management experience
• Experience with UE certification processes, partner ecosystems, or telecom device validation
• Experience in satellite communications, IoT, or wireless certification environments

We’ll also need you to:

• Ability to travel up to 20%

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: $108,000 - $140,000

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.