Senior Software Engineer

Iridium; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Iridium seeks a Senior Software Engineer to design and architect PNT software for our satellite ground system and user equipment. You will lead architecture decisions, collaborate with leads to refine the backlog, and decompose stories for the team to implement.

You will develop high-quality software, perform unit tests, and drive integration efforts while adhering to Agile processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of software development experience in professional settings.
• 8+ years of experience with Linux and modern programming languages (C/C++, Python).
• Experience with software architecture principles and unit testing.
• Embedded development experience with RTOS or bare-metal environments.
• Proven ability to work in Agile/Scrum teams and CI workflows.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of PNT software products.
• Decompose user stories into tasks and guide the development team.
• Develop software, conduct unit testing, and perform integration activities.
• Apply software development best practices to ensure code quality and reliability.
• Engage with internal and external customers to gather requirements and provide updates.
• Participate in agile ceremonies and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in software design, development, and deployment.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Embedded development

Software architecture

Unit testing

Agile / Scrum

CI / Git

Communication

Leadership

Education

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

Tools

Git

RTOS

Job description

Company 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.

What We’re Looking For:

Iridium is seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join the team developing a state-of-the‑art satellite ground system and user equipment for the company's satellite-based position, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. In this role, you will lead the design and architecture for PNT software products. If you are a hands‑on Software Engineer who is seeking an opportunity to develop new systems based on a unique and patented space‑based technology, the we want to talk to you!

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the design and architecture of PNT software products
• Work with technical leads and subject matter experts to define and maintain the product backlog
• Decompose user stories into detailed tasks and collaborate with the development team to execute them
• Develop software, conduct unit testing, and perform integration activities
• Apply advanced knowledge of software development best practices to ensure code quality and realiability
• Engage directly with internal and external customers to understand requirements and provide updates
• Execute development activities within an agile framework, participating in standups, planning, and retrospectives
• Work in a dynamic team‑oriented environment using agile methodologies
• Participate in developing software development processes
• Identify opportunities for improvements in software design, development, and deployment
• Deliver high‑quality technical solutions that meet PNT system needs

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 8+ years’ experience developing software applications
• 8+ years experience with Linux
• 8+ years experience with modern programming languages, including C/C++ and Python
• Experience with modern software architecture principles,
• Experience with unit testing
• Familiarity with using RTOS's or bare-metal for embedded development.
• Experience working wan Agile/Scrum process with daily standups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Practitioner of continuous integration and GIT
• 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
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

We’ll also need you to:

• This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. To comply with the requirements of that U.S. government contract, applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens
• Be able to work in the office at least 4 days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
• Be able to travel up to 10%

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: $125,000 - $165,000 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.