Director, Software Engineering Space Systems

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 a Director, Software Engineering Ground Systems Development reporting to the VP, Engineering who will be a key member of a leadership team developing Department of Defense (DoD) / Intelligence Community government space programs. As the Software Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for leading a large functional software engineering organization, including multiple software managers and their teams. Your team develops and maintains the software for ground system control, planning, and operations of satellite constellations for multiple programs. In this role, you’ll lead the software team in the development, test, and implementation of systems, processes, procedures, and software tools for all ground operations pertaining to Ground Terminals and Operations Centers for satellite constellations. You will lead and oversee all design, implementation, integration, and transition to operations for these ground systems. If you’re passionate about leading and mentoring a team, then we want to talk to you.

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

What You’ll Do:

• Manage, foster and develop a high performing team of software engineers to provide new design and development of ground systems and related operations software for satellite constellations, as well as sustainment of operationally deployed systems, for the DoD and/or IC.
• Establish strong working relationships with customers and suppliers to drive solutions which maximize effectiveness of the Ground Development team’s deliverables, while recognizing the bounds of contractual obligations
• Mentor and train your team by evaluating employees’ performance, recognizing areas for improvement, and providing reliable solutions to problems that may impact your team’s effectiveness
• Manage the staffing and solution strategy of the Ground Software Development team, including identifying skills and experience needed for new hires, developing existing team skillsets, and supporting existing and evolving team tasks including new government projects
• Lead the Ground Development team in cross-functional projects and tasking, ensuring operational performance is optimized while meeting all program objectives
• Be accountable for meeting critical technical objectives and related technical milestones and deliverables
• Develop a vision, including outlining strategic plans and objectives, for the evolution of development skills, tools, and engineering processes for efficient, effective delivery of developed system elements

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the satellite ground development industry, including experience with USG satellite development programs
• Previous management experience of a software engineering team
• Software development expertise including agile development process and demonstrated success with large scale software development projects
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groups
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and role modelling commitment to your team’s goals
• Have a people-oriented mentality and be able to build valuable relationships with executive leadership and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Be a strategic thinker who continuously looks for new and enhanced ways of doing things
• Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to critical situations
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
• Can manage multiple or complex projects while adhering to deadlines and budget limitations

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• Proven success leading software engineering teams and strategically allocating resources across multiple complex government programs to meet program, technical, and business objectives
• Experience with development of satellite space vehicle constellations and ground system components
• Understanding of DoD/IC missions and use cases for space systems

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 20%
• 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: $205,000 - $270,000 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.