Freelance Core Network Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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:

Are you a problem-solver with a passion for customer service and a background in roaming technical support? Then our Roaming Technical Support Engineer position might be the perfect opportunity for you! As a Technical Support Engineer, you'll serve as a technical escalation point for roaming and satellite communication services. You will troubleshoot complex issues impacting roaming and core network services, work directly with internal teams, Service Partners, and roaming partners, and support the rollout and validation of new services. You will thrive in this role if you are a reliable, resourceful self-starter with the ability to multi-task and a strong sense of ownership and urgency.

What You’ll Do:

• Investigate and resolve advanced roaming, satellite, and network service issues (voice, SMS, data).
• Analyze SS7, Diameter, GTP, IPX, and IP networking traffic using diagnostic tools.
• Provide second- and third-level support for escalations from Customer Care on roaming and existing Iridium services.
• Perform IREG/International Roaming Testing and TADIG/Transferred Account Data Interchange Group testing for new roaming partners and service updates.
• Conduct product and service testing for alpha/beta trials and network changes.
• Validate configurations, routing updates, and service interoperability.
• Serve as technical contact for Service Partners, Value-Added Manufacturers, and roaming operators.
• Collaborate with engineering, network operations, and fraud teams to resolve issues.
• Train internal teams on new products, services, and troubleshooting methods.
• Track and report on roaming KPIs, performance, and incident trends.
• Document troubleshooting steps, configurations, and best practices.

Qualifications What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or a technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in roaming operations, a Network Operations Center (NOC) network administration, support engineering, or telecommunications role.
• Strong knowledge of GSM, UMTS, NB-IoT, LTE, 3GPP, and 5G mobile networks.
• Experience with signaling protocols: SS7, Diameter, GTP, SIP, MAP, CAMEL.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strongcommunication skills, with the ability to clearly convey highly technical concepts to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience using tools like network analyzers, monitoring software, ticketing systems.
• Be comfortablemanaging upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed.
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuablerelationships with others.
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work.
• Be active in seeking ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge.

Things ThatWould beGreatif You Brought to the Table:

• Experience with AWS, Checkpoint Firewall, or SQL database administration.
• Understanding of GSMA IR.21/IR.85 standards, 3GPP standards.
• Roaming fraud prevention or revenue assurance experience.
• Scripting or automation skills (Python, Shell).

We’ll also need you to:

• Work hybrid, Monday - Friday, and be primary on-call contact to support a 24x7x365 environment.
• Be able to travel up to 25%.
• To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

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: $83,000 - $108,000 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.