Satellite Controller Jobs in Washington (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.

If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you’ll be excited about the Senior Ground Systems Development Engineer, Product Owner position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Product Owner on the Ground System Development team, you’ll be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions, including those with cross-functional teams, to deliver customer-driven Ground System Management Systems. In this role, you will work alongside a team of Engineers, Scrum Masters, and other Product Owners leading a team to build and deliver state-of-the-art Mission Management Software. To thrive, you’ll need excellent technical and communication skills in Mission Planning, Ground System software development, and hardware interfaces as well a deep-rooted grasp of Spacecraft Ground Systems Operations.

• Contribute to the Technical Roadmap and support the design, implementation, and operation of the GEP Site Controller (GSC) and associated software/hardware components required to meet the SDA PWSA (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) mission objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop ground software components founded upon modern industry standard platforms, languages, and deployment techniques
• Prioritize software development objectives within the Iridium-defined Agile/Scrum framework
• Plan and execute software releases, providing input into stakeholder/program schedules and budgets
• Provide technical and analytics support to stakeholders to promote informed decision making
• Leverage experience to assist in ground system operations process/procedure/training documentation and identify technical training needs
• Deliver constructive, meaningful feedback and proactively offer guidance and knowledge-sharing
• Collaborate cross-team with stakeholders to support the development of technical roadmaps, identify and mitigate technical risks, and remove barriers to success
• Interface with the operations team to obtain user feedback and update software accordingly
• Interface with the customer explaining the technical status and state of the GSC software development lifecycle

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the Aerospace industry, specifically associated with the development and operation of complex Spacecraft Ground Systems
• Strong depth of knowledge in satellite operations, mission planning, and spacecraft subsystems
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others
• Capable of prioritizing your own tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

• 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)
• Experience with defining, analyzing and documenting RF (Radio Frequency) and optical communication system interface requirements
• Experience with Satellite RF Communications theory or practical experience
• Experience with designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems and various command and control systems (e.g. OS Comet, InControl, etc.)
• Experience with aspects of the Hardware Software Development Life Cycle process
• Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.

• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be a US Citizen with no dual citizenship 

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: $115,000 - $160,000 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.