Principal Engineer, Ground Systems Development

Iridium Satellite LLC; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative satellite communications company is seeking a Principal Engineer for Ground Systems Development. In this role, you'll lead the charge in designing and implementing cutting-edge Mission Management Systems, collaborating with talented engineers to deliver exceptional results. With a focus on space technology and customer satisfaction, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment, managing projects and fostering teamwork. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a company that values creativity and inclusivity, ensuring that essential communications are maintained across the globe. Join a team that is passionate about innovation and making a difference.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Aerospace industry and complex Satellite Ground Systems.
• Strong knowledge of satellite operations and mission planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple activities and projects for Ground System Management Systems.
• Lead development of hardware interfaces and software automation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical roadmaps.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Satellite Ground Systems

Mission Planning

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Agile/Scrum

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Java

JavaScript

Python

Shell scripting

Networking protocols

Job description

Principal Engineer, Ground Systems Development

Job Locations

US-Remote | US-VA-Reston

Job ID

2025-4353

Category

Engineering

Worker Category

Regular Full-Time[F]

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.

Position Summary, Job Requirements & Responsibilities

What We're Looking For:

If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Principal Mission Management Systems Development Engineer position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Principal Engineer on the Ground System Development team, you'll be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to deliver customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. In this role, you will work alongside a team of Engineers to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management Systems that wow our customers. To thrive, you'll need a breadth of knowledge in Mission Planning and Ground System software development and hardware interfaces.

What You'll Do:

Own the Technical Roadmap to design, implement, and operate the Ground Entry Point (GEP) Station Controller (GSC) and related software components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) mission requirements
• Lead collaborative efforts and initiatives with the Mission Management team to develop ground software components founded upon modern industry standard platforms, languages, and deployment techniques
• Lead development of hardware interfaces and leverage software automation to orchestrate and conduct satellite contacts
• Prioritize software development objectives within the Iridium-defined Agile/Scrum framework
• Plan and execute software releases, providing input into stakeholder/program schedules and budgets
• Provide technical and analytics support to stakeholders to promote informed decision making
• Leverage experience to assist in ground system operations process/procedure/training documentation and identify technical training needs
• Deliver constructive, meaningful feedback and proactively offer guidance and knowledge-sharing
• Collaborate cross-team with stakeholders to define technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical risks, and remove barriers to success

Experience & Education Requirements / EEO

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry, specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Satellite Ground Systems
• Breadth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning, and satellite subsystem
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and recognize and adapt to different communication techniques.
• Can easily build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside of your own department, and is comfortable providing constructive feedback to your team members and management
• Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion
• Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments
• Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities
• Be proactive in sharing knowledge you've learned with others

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

• Experieince with defining, analyzing and documenting RF (Radio Frequency) and optical communication system interface requirements
• Experience with Satellite RF Communications theory or practical experience
• Experience with designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems and various command and control systems (e.g. OS Comet, InControl, etc.)
• Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cycle process
• Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.

We'll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 5%
• 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.

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