Senior 3GPP Core Network Architect – NTN & 5G

Iridium Communications Inc; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. seeks a Chief 3GPP Core Network Architect to define the strategic vision for NTN Direct services, 5G NR capabilities, and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks.

You will lead architecture across design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing evolution of new systems while guiding a global Core team. You will collaborate with industry standards bodies to ensure 3GPP/GSMA interoperability, mentor engineers, and drive operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in developing and architecting complex wireless solutions.
• 3+ years of leadership for technical, cross-functional teams.
• Experience with 4G/5G, 5G NTN, NB-IoT architecture and deployments.
• Strong collaboration across departments and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the global technology roadmap for 3GPP Core network capabilities for NTN Direct and future 5G NR NTN services.
• Define and prioritize technical requirements and architecture to optimize NTN performance and scalability.
• Lead architectural strategy for integrating 3GPP Core with network elements, ensuring scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Establish governance, KPIs, and SLAs for large-scale NTN deployments across geographies.
• Drive testing and integration capabilities for onboarding global MNOs and customers to NTN Direct services.

Skills

5G Core Architecture

Cross-functional leadership

IoT NTN expertise

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Interoperability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Job description

Iridium Communications Inc. seeks a Chief 3GPP Core Network Architect to define the strategic vision for NTN Direct services, 5G NR capabilities, and the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks.

You will lead architecture across design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing evolution of new systems while guiding a global Core team. You will collaborate with industry standards bodies to ensure 3GPP/GSMA interoperability, mentor engineers, and drive operational efficiency.