Site Engineer III

Iridium Communications Inc; Fairbanks (AK); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Iridium Communications Inc. is seeking a Site Engineer III to lead site installation, maintenance, and integration for SDA projects. You will coordinate vendors, ensure safety, and drive successful maintenance across domestic and international locations.

The role requires 5+ years in telecom/satellite fields, strong communication, and a proactive, ownership-driven approach. Will travel up to 50% and work in a hybrid environment with base pay and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the telecommunications or satellite communications industry.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues.
• Analytical mindset to understand and solve problems.
• Able to manage upward and be proactive in communication and seeking help when needed.
• Ownership and accountability for tasks and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform and coordinate site maintenance, installation, and upgrade activities to ensure optimal performance, readiness, and minimal service interruptions.
• Coordinate and oversee work by vendors and contractors at Ground Entry Point (GEP) sites, ensuring standards and requirements are met.
• Promote a safe working environment by monitoring site conditions and escalating risks as needed.
• Execute scheduled preventative maintenance activities including inspections, testing, and verification.
• Lead troubleshooting for site equipment, infrastructure, UPS, generators, and related hardware; identify root causes and fixes.
• Provide technical guidance to vendors, contractors, and junior team members during maintenance and installation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support site readiness, integration, and mission objectives.
• Analyze equipment performance trends and recommend reliability improvements.
• Support testing, commissioning, and validation for new equipment and upgrades.
• Adapt to evolving mission requirements and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Analytical mindset

Proactive communicator

Relationship building

Ownership mindset

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

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.

What We're Looking For:

If you are experienced in site installation, equipment maintenance, and vendor support within the telecommunications or satellite communications industry and have 5+ years of relevant experience, then you will be excited about the Site Engineer III opening with Iridium supporting a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Site Engineer III, you'll independently execute and coordinate site installation, integration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities supporting Iridium's global Ground Entry Point (GEP) infrastructure. In this role, you will focus primarily on resolving complex technical issues, coordinating vendors and contractors, supporting site readiness efforts, and driving successful execution of maintenance and installation activities at domestic and international locations. You will thrive in this role if you are a highly motivated self-starter who demonstrates strong technical judgment, excels in fast-paced environments, and effectively collaborates across teams to achieve mission objectives.

This position requires an active/current Top Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You'll Do:

• Independently perform and coordinate site maintenance, installation, and upgrade activities to ensure optimal performance, operational readiness, and minimal service interruptions
• Coordinate and oversee work performed by vendors and contractors at Ground Entry Point (GEP) sites, ensuring adherence to installation standards, project requirements, and quality expectations
• Promote a safe working environment by monitoring site conditions, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and escalating risks, hazards, and incidents as appropriate
• Execute scheduled preventative maintenance activities, including equipment inspections, functional testing, system cleaning, and operational performance verification
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for site equipment, communications infrastructure, antenna systems, UPS units, generators, and supporting hardware, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
• Provide technical guidance and support to vendors, contractors, and less experienced team members during maintenance, installation, and integration activities
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering, operations, and program teams to support site readiness, integration efforts, and mission-critical objectives
• Analyze equipment performance trends, identify opportunities for reliability improvements, and recommend corrective or preventative measures
• Support testing, commissioning, and validation activities for new equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and site enhancements
• Adapt to evolving mission requirements while continuously expanding technical expertise and contributing to process improvements and operational best practices

Qualifications

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the telecommunications or satellite communications industry
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• Be comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Previous exposure via college courses or internships to the following:
  • Experience with satellite network installation
  • Working knowledge of IP networks, IP equipment routing protocols
  • Experience with Data Center installation
  • Exposure to construction, telecommunications, utility, industrial, or other hands-on field work environments
  • Familiarity with construction site safety practices and safe work procedures
  • OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or other relevant workplace safety certifications

We'll also need you to:

• When not traveling, be able to work in the office at least 4 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders
• Be able to travel up to 50%
• Be able to lift up to 30 pounds, stand for multiple hours, and climb short ladders
• Be a U.S. Citizen

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: $85,000 - $110,000 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.