Senior Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner

Iridium Satellite LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Flexible work policy

Job summary

A leading satellite communications company is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Development Engineer to lead the development of customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. This role demands strong technical skills in mission planning and software development for spacecraft ground systems. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication abilities and a deep understanding of satellite operations. This position offers a hybrid work environment, promoting collaboration and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry.
• Strong depth of knowledge in satellite operations and mission planning.
• Experience with RF and optical communication system interface requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate Ground Systems Management Systems.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver mission management software.
• Contribute to Technical Roadmap for GEP Site Controller.

Skills

Mission Planning

Ground Systems software development

Hardware interfaces

Satellite operations

Excellent communication

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Java

Python

Shell scripting

Job description

Job Overview

Senior Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner

Job Locations: US-VA-Reston; US-AZ-Chandler

Job ID: 2026-4896

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

If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you'll be excited about the Senior Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Product Owner on the Ground System Development team, you'll be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions, 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, Scrum Masters, and other Product Owners leading a team to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management Software. To thrive, you'll need excellent technical and communication skills in Mission Planning, Ground System software development, and hardware interfaces as well a deep-rooted grasp of Spacecraft Ground Systems Operations.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the Technical Roadmap and support the design, implementation, and operation of the GEP Site Controller (GSC) and associated software/hardware components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) mission objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop ground software components founded upon modern industry standard platforms, languages, and deployment techniques
• 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 support the development of technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical risks, and remove barriers to success
• Interface with the operations team to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly
• Interface with the customer explaining the technical status and state of the GSC software development lifecycle

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry, specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Spacecraft Ground Systems
• Strong depth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning, and spacecraft subsystems
• 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 That Would Be Great if You Brought to the Table

• Active/current Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
• Experience 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 10%
• Be a US Citizen with no dual citizenship

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.

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.