Space Systems Engineer III - On-Orbit Test Lead (4x4)

Iridium; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Iridium seeks an experienced Systems Engineer III to support SDA operations, leading on-orbit test procedures and system engineering artifacts for ground and satellite operations. You’ll coordinate with government, vendor and operations teams, and deliver critical integration support for efficient space operations.

You will work 12-hour shifts onsite in a 24/7 multi-satellite environment, interfacing with contractors and government stakeholders and ensuring on-orbit checkout success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field, OR equivalent on-orbit test experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in satellite operations, on-orbit testing, ground system engineering, software integration/test, and/or software development.
• Strong knowledge of system engineering methodologies and Agile processes.
• Strong familiarity with tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to think critically and solve problems.
• Proactive communicator and able to manage upward.
• Ability to build valuable relationships.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and take ownership.
• Continuous self-improvement mindset.
• Skills in Low Earth Orbit satellite mechanics and operations.

Responsibilities

• Support on-orbit checkout and commissioning of satellites and ground segment activities across teams.
• Maintain and execute detailed test plans for on-orbit activities, payload activation, and subsystem checkouts.
• Coordinate with operators, analysts, vendors, contractors, and government stakeholders to execute test activities and resolve issues.
• Analyze telemetry data in real-time to assess health and performance and identify anomalies.
• Conduct root cause analyses for on-orbit anomalies and implement solutions.
• Prepare technical briefings for senior leadership on mission status and risks.
• Maintain documentation including test reports, anomaly logs, and performance reports.
• Develop and maintain test procedures for on-orbit tests.
• Distribute and maintain test procedures within SharePoint/Teams and other Iridium tools.
• Collaborate with SDA and Iridium leadership to assess risks and propose improvements to on-orbit operations.
• Provide technical writing support for Basis of Efforts documents.
• Interface between Iridium Operations and System Engineering teams on mesh network and ground segment operations.

Skills

Systems engineering

Agile processes

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Satellite operations

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace/electrical engineering or related

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

SAFe

R4J

Job description

Iridium seeks an experienced Systems Engineer III to support SDA operations, leading on-orbit test procedures and system engineering artifacts for ground and satellite operations. You’ll coordinate with government, vendor and operations teams, and deliver critical integration support for efficient space operations.

You will work 12-hour shifts onsite in a 24/7 multi-satellite environment, interfacing with contractors and government stakeholders and ensuring on-orbit checkout success.