Senior Engineer, Satellite System Operator (RTO Weekday Operator)

Iridium Communications Inc; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. seeks a Senior Engineer, Satellite System Operator (SSO) to lead critical operational activities across the Iridium satellite constellation and ground system.

You will provide technical leadership for the Real Time Operations (RTO) team and drive improvements in processes, training, and tools. The role requires deep knowledge of the Iridium network, independent judgment, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to peers and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in network or satellite operations, with 5+ years on Iridium network.
• Certifications in at least 3 of the 6 core RTO positions.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to convey technical topics to diverse audiences.
• Analytical mindset with ability to make decisions and propose solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex operational activities and anomaly resolution across certified RTO positions.
• Establish and maintain standards of operations execution and training.
• Develop and maintain operations software tools for system monitoring and interface.
• Produce comprehensive event documentation and technical analyses.
• Provide technical leadership across the RTO team and coordinate projects.
• Stay familiar with software development processes and languages relevant to Iridium Operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Problem solving

Prioritization

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / CS

Tools

Linux

Python

Perl

Java

JavaScript

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 satellite operations professional who thrives in complex, mission-critical environments, you will be excited about the Senior Engineer, Satellite System Operator (SSO) opening with Iridium on our Space and Ground Services team. As a Senior Engineer, you’ll be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions in support of the safe, reliable, and effective operation of the Iridium satellite constellation and ground system. In this role, you will focus primarily on leading complex operational activities and anomaly resolution, providing technical leadership across the RTO (Real Time Operations) team, and developing and improving operational processes, procedures, training, and tools. You will thrive in this role if you have deep knowledge of the Iridium Satellite Network, exercise strong independent technical judgment, and enjoy sharing your expertise to strengthen operational performance across the team.

What You’ll Do:

A Senior Engineer, SSO will be certified in at least 4 of the 5 System Operator positions:

• Space Vehicle Engineer
• Flight Operations Specialist – Recovery
• Flight Operations Specialist – Automation
• Ground Systems Operator 1/2
• Hosted Payload Operator

The Senior Engineer will:

• Perform the full scope of responsibilities across certified RTO positions, including complex and non-routine operational activities requiring advanced technical knowledge and independent judgment
  • System monitoring – detect and diagnose complex system events, issues, and outages quickly and accurately, determine appropriate recovery actions, and serve as a senior technical resource to the RTO team during event diagnosis, troubleshooting, and recovery
  • System interface – independently lead and execute system maintenance, upgrades, and anomaly recoveries exercising technical judgment to ensure activities are completed safely and in accordance with Iridium Operations best practices
  • Communication and documentation – produce comprehensive event documentation and technical analysis that demonstrates advanced system understanding, identifying trends and lessons learned, and driving improvements to operational processes and system performance. Communicate complex technical information effectively to teammates, engineering partners, and leadership, particularly during critical system events.
  • Leadership – provide technical leadership across the RTO team via certification training, implementation of process and system function upgrades, and coordination of complex operations development projects.
• Establish and maintain standards of operations execution by developing, delivering, and continuously improving training for both initial qualification and recurring training
• Develop, own, and continuously improve operations processes and procedures, working with SMEs and leadership to ensure RTO products reflect current best practices
• Develop, own, and maintain operations software tools for system monitoring and interface
• Maintains familiarity with software development processes and programming skills relevant to Iridium Operations (Agile, Python, PERL, Java, JavaScript, etc.)

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in a network operations or spacecraft operations environment in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of experience or the equivalent work experience in a network or satellite operations environment, with a minimum 5 years of experience specifically on the Iridium Satellite Network
• Certifications in at least 3 of the 6 core RTO positions (FOS-R, FOS-A, SVE, GSO1/2, HPOC)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others
• Capable of prioritizing your own tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Proficiency in the LINUX operating system, as well as standard PC usage and applications
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills
• Certification in 4+ core RTO positions

We’ll also need you to:

• Have US Citizenship
• Be on call for night and weekend shift work

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: $120,000 - $155,000 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; and other discounts and perks.

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