Freelance Remote Operations Analyst Jobs in Washington

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. 

Iridium is seeking a Senior Configuration Management Analyst to support configuration management activities across complex programs and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of configuration items throughout the product lifecycle. This role manages configuration baselines, change control processes, and configuration records while partnering with engineering, program management, quality, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with customer, contractual, and organizational requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong configuration management experience, technical expertise, and the ability to improve processes, provide guidance to teams, and support successful program execution.

• Lead Configuration Management activities across assigned programs, ensuring configuration integrity throughout the product lifecycle.
• Manage configuration baselines, change control activities, and configuration status accounting to ensure approved changes are accurately documented and implemented.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Configuration Management processes, procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
• Administer Configuration Management tools and associated configuration data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with organizational and contractual requirements.
• Partner with engineering, program management, quality, operations, and other stakeholders to integrate Configuration Management practices into program execution.
• Support customer, contractual, and regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate configuration records and preparing for internal and external audits.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Configuration Management team members and serve as a trusted resource on Configuration Management processes and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve Configuration Management processes, automate workflows, and enhance supporting tools and systems.
• Review proposals, contracts, statements of work, and customer requirements to identify and implement applicable Configuration Management requirements.
• Prepare configuration metrics, reports, and status updates to provide visibility into configuration baselines, change activity, compliance, and program performance.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 8+ years of configuration management, data management, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a senior role.
• Strong knowledge of Configuration Management principles, change control, baseline management, and configuration status accounting.
• Experience with Configuration Management and lifecycle management tools (e.g., Jira, GitLab, PLM/PDM, or similar platforms).
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices (e.g., EIA-649, CM2, ISO 10007, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting audits, compliance activities, and customer contractual requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to work independently, mentor junior team members, and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team.
• Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• An active advanced certification in Configuration Management (e.g., CM2, ITIL, PMP) or Data Management (e.g., CDMP).
• Previous experience working in Aerospace, Defense, Space, Government Contracting, or other highly regulated industries with mature Configuration Management practices.
• Previous experience supporting complex engineering programs, hardware and software development, product lifecycle management, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements is highly preferred.
• Experience reading engineering drawings, production specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience supporting Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Digital Engineering, or Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) initiatives.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as ISO, CMMI, or similar frameworks.
• Experience in contract management and managing customer-facing deliverables under strict deadlines.
• Experience in mentoring or leading teams in configuration or data management practices.
• Familiarity with Agile and software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices.

• NOTE: This is a majority onsite role, where the expectation is that you perform your work in the office 4 days per week.
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance upon hire and be able to maintain the clearance throughout employment.
• This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract and COMSEC equipment. To comply with the requirements of that U.S. government contract, applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens.
• Travel up to 10%, as needed to support programs and participate in team collaboration activities.

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: $116,000 - $156,000 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.