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Satellite Operations Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Network Engineer I

Chandler, AZ · On-site

You'll work alongside experienced engineers while developing technical knowledge and practical ... Interest in satellite communications, network operations, and ground system infrastructure We'll ...

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Test Engineer III

Chandler, AZ · On-site

Company Overview Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with ... Perform integration, maintenance,and operation of system hardware, lab hardware, and software ...

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All JobsSatellite Operations Engineer JobsSatellite Operations Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Satellite Operations Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$33.5K

$79.2K

$125.8K

How much do satellite operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite operations engineer in Arizona is $79,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $87,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Satellite Operations Engineer?

A typical day for a Satellite Operations Engineer involves monitoring satellite performance, analyzing telemetry data, and coordinating responses to any anomalies or unexpected events. You may participate in shift work to ensure 24/7 operational coverage, collaborate with hardware engineers, mission planners, and ground station teams, and document system status or updates. Regular tasks include executing command sequences, supporting satellite launches or maneuvers, and preparing detailed reports for senior engineers and management. This role combines technical hands-on work with real-time problem-solving and teamwork, providing a dynamic and impactful work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Satellite Operations Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Satellite Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with satellite control systems, mission planning software, telemetry, and (where applicable) industry certifications such as ITAR or FCC licensure is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure the reliable operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of satellites in a highly collaborative and mission-critical environment.

What is a Satellite Operations Engineer job?

A Satellite Operations Engineer is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the health and performance of satellites in orbit. They operate ground control systems, analyze telemetry data, troubleshoot anomalies, and implement corrective actions to ensure continuous satellite functionality. Their role may involve planning satellite maneuvers, coordinating with mission teams, and supporting pre-launch testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of satellite communication systems, and experience with ground station operations are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Satellite Operations Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
Satellite Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Satellite Operations Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,237 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Network Operations Engineer I

Iridium Satellite, LLC

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company 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.
What We're Looking For:
Iridium is seeking an entry-level Network Operations Engineer to join our Gateway Network Operations team. In this role, you will help support and maintain Iridium's Gateway telecom and data infrastructure, providing advanced operational and escalation support for ground systems operations teams including Gateway Technical Operations, Tier 2 Customer Support, and Service Delivery. You'll work closely with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to troubleshoot complex issues, improve system reliability, and support the deployment of new systems and applications aligned with business and customer needs. This role is ideal for someone who is technically curious, adaptable, collaborative, and motivated to grow within a fast-paced operational engineering environment.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues
  • Support the maintenance and administration of Gateway subsystems and services across both on-premises and cloud-based environments
  • Administer and maintain remote monitoring and management systems, including updating agent scripts, responding to alerts, monitoring dashboards, and performing periodic system reviews
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve operations issues and work closely with operations teams to improve maintenance procedures and provide successful troubleshooting
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure high quality products are ready to deploy into production according to assigned schedule
  • Assist in Investigating and resolving escalated customer and operational support tickets
  • Contribute to the creation and refinement of maintenance documents for all Gateway network element systems and network infrastructure
  • Provide technical support across internal teams and external partners
  • Support the reliability, availability, and performance of the Iridium service suite

What You'll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
  • Working knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining Linux operating systems (Red Hat/CentOS), IP network infrastructure, SIP services, Python-based tools, and Oracle/MySQL databases
  • 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
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • Any AWS certification (i.e., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified AI Practitioner, etc.)
  • Knowledge of any of the following:
    • Communications systems architecture development
    • Circuit and packet switched voice and data communications
    • TCP/IP communications
  • Previous experience with IPv4 networks, GSM, Telecom, realtime systems
  • Previous experience with systems software life cycle
  • Previous experience in software development, especially C, C++, or tcl
  • Previous experience in IP network engineering, development, integration, and testing
We'll also need you to:
  • Be on call to support major network issues
  • Be able to travel up to 10%
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Foreign Person not from Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Russia, or Belarus

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: $65,000 - $80,000 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.

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