Network Systems Administrator III

Iridium Communications Inc; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off & holidays

Paid parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. is seeking a Network Systems Administrator to join Aireon’s Network Engineering team. You will design, implement, and secure on-premises networks distributing data to customers.

You will focus on secure build and patch lifecycle, centralized authentication, automation, and Tier II/III operational support in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, IT, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional Linux/Windows systems administration.
• Hands-on Linux/Windows installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with OS hardening, patching, and security controls.
• Knowledge of IP networking and OS network configuration (L2/L3).
• Experience administering AD/LDAP authentication services.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain on-premises infrastructure for Aireon networks.
• Install, configure, harden, and patch Linux and Windows systems per security controls.
• Automate system administration with Ansible and/or Puppet.
• Manage centralized authentication (AD/LDAP) and resolve related incidents.
• Provide Tier II/III support for security incidents and coordinate with vendors.
• Monitor resources, backups, DR readiness, and patch compliance.
• Analyze performance data to ensure capacity and resilience.

Skills

Linux

Windows

Security

Ansible

Puppet

AD/LDAP

OS hardening

Patching

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Virtualization

Containers

Cisco IOS

Juniper OS

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:

If you are an experienced Network Systems Administrator with strong Linux/Windows and security-focused infrastructure skills, you will be excited about the Network Systems Administrator opening on Aireon’s Network Engineering team. As a Network Systems Administrator, you’ll independently deliver high-quality work and drive system deployment, hardening, and sustainment activities to completion for Aireon’s on-premises operational networks that distribute data to customers. In this role, you will focus primarily on secure build and patch lifecycle management, centralized authentication, automation, and Tier II/III operational support. You will thrive in this role if you communicate proactively, collaborate effectively across distributed teams, and bring a strong ownership mindset in a fast-paced operational environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, implement, and maintain operational, test, and development infrastructure to support Aireon’s on-premises operational networks and customer data distribution.
• Install, configure, harden, and patch Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu) and Windows systems in accordance with established security controls and stringent security requirements.
• Implement and maintain automation for system administration activities using tools such as Ansible and/or Puppet to improve consistency, reliability, and auditability.
• Administer and support centralized authentication solutions (e.g., Active Directory/LDAP) and resolve authentication-related incidents and change requests.
• Provide Tier II/III operational support for escalated system and network-layer security incidents; perform root cause analysis and coordinate resolution with vendors, engineering, security, and subcontractors.
• Maintain continuous monitoring of system resources and security posture, including configuration management, inventory/license/asset tracking, backups, off-site archives, disaster recovery readiness, and patch/update compliance.
• Collect and evaluate performance data to identify systemic issues, tune systems, and ensure adequate capacity, resilience, redundancy, and performance.

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of professional systems administration and/or IT engineering experience supporting Linux and Windows environments in a security-conscious operational setting.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience installing, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting Linux and Windows systems.
• Hands-on experience with OS hardening, patching, vulnerability remediation, and security controls at the OS and application layers.
• Working knowledge of Internet protocols, OS/network configuration, and general IP networking concepts (OSI Layer 2/3).
• Experience administering centralized authentication services (AD/LDAP) and troubleshooting authentication and access issues.

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Experience with virtualization and containers.
• General knowledge of Cisco IOS and/or Juniper OS.
• Experience conducting or supporting network and system-level penetration testing and/or security validation activities.
• Experience working in a configuration-managed operational environment with rigorous security controls.
• Relevant certifications (preferred): RHCSA, RHCE, Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, CompTIA Server+.
• Familiarity with ticketing systems, issue tracking, and collaboration tools.

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: $95,000 - $125,000 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
• other discounts and perks

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