Systems Engineer III

Iridium; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Iridium is seeking a Systems Engineer III to join the Systems Engineering team and contribute to a Space Development Agency project. You will independently deliver high‑quality work, perform requirements analysis, design, integration, and support major reviews, with focus on Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Ground Entry Point Management, and Fleet Operations Monitoring.

You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with a Secret clearance requirement, and a hybrid office schedule

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in system engineering for complex technical projects.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage upward and build relationships.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and take ownership.

Responsibilities

• Apply system engineering practices to ground and payload controller development for various projects
• Perform analysis, definition, decomposition, and management of Space & Ground segments
• Work with Project Systems Engineers exercising technical authority over projects
• Conduct system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, concept of operations definition, and detailed trade studies
• Provide input for major reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and ORR
• Perform analysis that ensures system designs meet technical performance targets
• Participate in Modeling and Simulation of new services
• Build relationships with stakeholders to understand their technical needs to manage the requirements and planning of the assigned projects
• Utilize critical thinking skills to support your team in applying new ideas and approaches, such as designing and developing existing and new systems

Skills

Strong communication skills

Analytical mindset

Proactive communicator

Ownership mindset

US citizenship

Ability to travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science

Tools

JIRA

R4J

Big Picture

Confluence

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.

Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

Are you a space enthusiast with a passion for cutting-edge technology and a desire to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Iridium is seeking a motivated Systems Engineer III to join our Systems Engineering team in support of a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Systems Engineer III, you’ll independently deliver high-quality work and drive projects and deliverables to completion, including participating in system requirements analysis, functional and performance analysis, system design, and system integration, . In this role, you will focus primarily on the architecture and integration of Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Ground Entry Point Management, and Fleet Operations Monitoring. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy tackling complex challenges and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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:

• Apply system engineering best practices and processes to ground and payload controller development for various projects
• Perform required analysis, definition, decomposition, and management of Space & Ground segments
• Work with Project Systems Engineers in exercisingtechnical authority over projects
• Conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, concept of operations definition, and detailed trade studies
• Provide input for major reviews such as: Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and Operations Readiness Review (ORR)
• Perform analysis that ensures system designs meet technical performance targets
• Participate in Modeling and Simulation of new services
• Build relationships with stakeholders to understand their technical needs to manage the requirements and planning of the assigned projects
• Utilize critical thinking skills to support your team in applying new ideas and approaches, such as designing and developing existing and new systems

Qualifications

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years of related system engineering experience for complex technical projects, preferably direct experience in telecommunications, ground networks, electronic products development/manufacturing, or satellites
• 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:

• Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science
• Programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, Shell scripting
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.
• Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite such JIRA, R4J, Big Picture, Confluence
• Strong knowledge of system engineering methodologies
• A good understanding of tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices

We’ll also need you to:

• 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 25%
• 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

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 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: $95,000 - $125,000 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.