Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Base Pay Range: $70,000 - $85,000 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.  

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Satellite System Operator opening with Iridium on our Space and Ground Services team. As a Satellite System Operator, you'll contribute to monitoring and controlling the Iridium satellite constellation and ground system at the Iridium Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC). You will work 12-hour shifts with a team in a 24-hour, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you have a desire to learn and execute new technical skills and are highly motivated and passionate about engineering and satellite communications.

Each Satellite Systems Operator will be trained in and expected to support at least 2 of the roles on the Real Time Operations (RTO) team which are described below. The specific roles will be determined based on the needs of the team at the time of hiring. All operators must complete Iridium Operator Certification within the required time frame as a condition of continued employment. The certification process is a combination of in-house classroom training and on-the-job training (OJT), completed with a combination of pre-defined knowledge and performance objectives.

Satellite Flight Controller, Ground System Operator, and/or Hosted Payload Operator

• Support routine, real-time monitoring and/or commanding of the Iridium Satellite constellation and/or Aireon Hosted Payload
• Assist with executing all satellite and/or Aireon Hosted Payload commanding and performing telemetry verification of satellite and/or Aireon Hosted Payload commanding activities
• Assist with performing real-time satellite state of health evaluation, trending, and analysis for first level satellite sub-system engineering troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Support real-time satellite anomaly investigation and resolution and follow established Fault Escalation policies and procedures
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot the Iridium Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) service
• Support process improvement initiatives by properly documenting all satellite and/or Hosted Payload events through the anomaly and issue reporting process
• Assist with detection and recovery of issues within the Iridium and/or Hosted Payload ground system applications; monitoring and initial troubleshooting of Iridium remote teleport antennas; monitoring the Iridium Wide Area Network (WAN), escalating as appropriate
• Create accurate, timely, and descriptive event logging for all ground system outages or system events, and/or Hosted Payload

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in a network operations or spacecraft operations environment in lieu of degree
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate key messages and ideas clearly and effectively
• Can cultivate meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team, while being open and responsive to constructive feedback as they guide and mentor you
• The ability to think outside the box to help solve problems, with the humility to ask for help when needed
• Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the readiness to take on any new tasks that are handed to you
• A motivation to achieve outcomes and results
• Capable of handling multiple tasks at once and completing them on time with mostly no errors
• An eagerness to develop professionally, continuously learn, and share knowledge with others

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

• Proficiency in the LINUX operating system, as well as standard PC usage and applications
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills

• 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
• NOTE: This position requires the selected candidate to work an overnight schedule of rotating 12-hour shifts.

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. This is a fully onsite position requiring in-office attendance 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.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.