Senior Systems Engineer, Proposal Development

Iridium Communications Inc; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer, Proposal Development, to lead systems engineering for complex SDA proposals, define architectures, and coordinate cross-functional teams across space and ground segments.

The role requires a SECRET clearance, 8+ years in defense/space, and proven ability to deliver technically sound, competitive proposals on aggressive schedules; office-based with hybrid work policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, or space.
• Advanced systems engineering methods and model-based concepts.
• Strong communication to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Analytical mindset to tackle complex technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering execution of complex proposal efforts.
• Define system architectures, requirements decompositions, and baselines.
• Collaborate across SE, software, PM, and BD to align with customer needs.
• Develop innovative technical solutions and assess design tradeoffs.
• Coordinate deliverables, schedules, and technical estimates for proposals.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices across the process.

Skills

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Agile development

Risk assessment

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

Jira

R4J

Confluence

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

If you are looking for a collaborative work environment where you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a team on the forefront of one of the most advanced satellite constellations in the world, then you will be excited about the Senior Systems Engineer, Proposal Development opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you\'ll be responsible for independently developing and implementing technical solutions that support complex proposal efforts and strategic business objectives. In this role, you will focus primarily on leading the systems engineering aspects of proposal development, architecture definition, technical planning, and cross-functional collaboration. You will thrive in this role if you are an effective communicator and comfortable leading highly complex technical efforts with minimal oversight.

This position requires an 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).

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the systems engineering execution of complex proposal efforts by developing technical approaches, system architectures, Requests for Proposal (RFP) responses, Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and supporting technical documentation.
• Be responsible for independently defining system architectures, requirements decomposition, interface definitions, trade studies, and technical baselines across Space and Ground Segments.
• Drive technical collaboration across Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Program Management, Business Development, and other stakeholders to ensure proposal solutions are technically sound, executable, and aligned with customer requirements.
• Demonstrate advanced systems engineering knowledge to develop innovative technical solutions, evaluate design alternatives, identify risks, and provide recommendations that improve proposal competitiveness and program execution.
• Lead complex system analyses, including functional, performance, interface, and requirements analyses, ensuring technical decisions are supported by sound engineering principles and data-driven conclusions.
• Be accountable for coordinating technical deliverables, proposal schedules, engineering estimates, and milestone execution while ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices and continuous process improvement across proposal development activities.

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the defense, aerospace, or space industry
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, model-based systems engineering concepts, systems architecture, and Agile development processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts, analyses, and recommendations to engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and executive stakeholders.
• Have confidence and be able to easily build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary engineering organizations and leadership teams.
• Possess an analytical mindset with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges, evaluate alternatives, and develop innovative engineering solutions.
• Be proactive in identifying technical risks, improving engineering processes, and mentoring other engineers while sharing technical knowledge across the organization.
• Capable of independently managing multiple complex technical priorities while coordinating cross-functional activities to meet aggressive proposal and program deadlines.

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Experience designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems.
• Experience with Hardware and Software Development Life Cycle processes.
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, and communication architectures.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools including Jira, R4J, and Confluence.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government proposal development and competitive capture efforts.
• Experience performing system architecture trade studies and technical solution development for large-scale aerospace or defense programs.

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to work in the office at least 3 days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
• Be able to travel up to 25%
• Be a U.S. Citizen

ADA and EEO

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.

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: $119,000 - $156,000 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.