Network Operations Engineer I

Iridium; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Iridium is seeking an entry-level Network Operations Engineer in Tempe, Arizona. This role supports and maintains Gateway telecom and data infrastructure while providing operational support with a focus on collaboration and problem-solving. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields, along with knowledge of Linux, IP networks, and effective communication skills.

Employees will work in an office setting under a hybrid work policy requiring in-office work three days a week. Iridium promotes innovation and professional growth in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems (Red Hat/CentOS), IP network infrastructure.
• Strong communication skills for effective messaging and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues.
• Support the maintenance and administration of Gateway subsystems and services.
• Administer remote monitoring and management systems.

Skills

Linux operating systems

IP network infrastructure

SIP services

Python-based tools

Oracle/MySQL databases

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

AWS certification

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

Iridium is seeking an entry-level Network Operations Engineer to join our Gateway Network Operations team. In this role, you will help support and maintain Iridium’s Gateway telecom and data infrastructure, providing advanced operational and escalation support for ground systems operations teams including Gateway Technical Operations, Tier 2 Customer Support, and Service Delivery. You’ll work closely with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to troubleshoot complex issues, improve system reliability, and support the deployment of new systems and applications aligned with business and customer needs. This role is ideal for someone who is technically curious, adaptable, collaborative, and motivated to grow within a fast‑paced operational engineering environment.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues
• Support the maintenance and administration of Gateway subsystems and services across both on-premises and cloud‑based environments
• Administer and maintain remote monitoring and management systems, including updating agent scripts, responding to alerts, monitoring dashboards, and performing periodic system reviews
• Identify, investigate, and resolve operations issues and work closely with operations teams to improve maintenance procedures and provide successful troubleshooting
• Collaborate with team members to ensure high‑quality products are ready to deploy into production according to assigned schedule
• Assist in investigating and resolving escalated customer and operational support tickets
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of maintenance documents for all Gateway network element systems and network infrastructure
• Provide technical support across internal teams and external partners
• Support the reliability, availability, and performance of the Iridium service suite

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related field or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Working knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining Linux operating systems (Red Hat/CentOS), IP network infrastructure, SIP services, Python‑based tools, and Oracle/MySQL databases
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate key messages and ideas clearly and effectively
• Can cultivate meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team, while being open and responsive to constructive feedback as they guide and mentor you
• The ability to think outside the box to help solve problems, with the humility to ask for help when needed
• Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the readiness to take on any new tasks that are handed to you
• A motivation to achieve outcomes and results

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table

• Any AWS certification (i.e., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified AI Practitioner, etc.)
• Knowledge of any of the following:
  • Communications systems architecture development
  • Circuit and packet switched voice and data communications
  • TCP/IP communications
• Previous experience with IPv4 networks, GSM, Telecom, realtime systems
• Previous experience with systems software life cycle
• Previous experience in software development, especially C, C++, or tcl
• Previous experience in IP network engineering, development, integration, and testing

We’ll also need you to

• Be on call to support major network issues
• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Foreign Person not from Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Russia, or Belarus

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.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.