Satellite Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia (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.

We are seeking a Principal Product Owner for our Bumblebee program who will be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to support a missioncritical Ground Segment infrastructure for government satellite operations. In addition to guiding groundsystem capabilities, the Product Owner will also support Satellite and Ground Network Management initiatives, ensuring seamless integration across the endtoend space-to-ground architecture. 

If you are drawn to the technical rigor of space systems, this role places you at the center of a National Security Missions group dedicated to full-lifecycle ground and network architecture. You’ll work alongside a highly skilled, crossfunctional team solving complex, realworld challenges that directly impact mission success and national security outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cuttingedge space technologies in a fastpaced, highvisibility environment. 

This position requires an active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active) 

• Work collaboratively to support the product vision, roadmap, and priorities for the Bumblebee ground segment in alignment with mission objectives. 
• Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable product plans and capability roadmaps. 
• Lead end-to-end integration of satellite, ground segment, and network management systems to ensure seamless space-to-ground operations. 
• Own the product backlog, ensuring clear prioritization, refinement, and alignment with mission-critical timelines and technical dependencies. 
• Partner with engineering, systems, and operations teams to deliver resilient, scalable ground infrastructure and network management capabilities. 
• Ensure compliance with government, security, and mission assurance requirements across all product deliverables. 
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve complex technical challenges. 
• Serve as a key interface between technical teams and executive stakeholders, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and trade-offs. 
• Monitor system performance and operational metrics, using data to inform continuous improvement and capability enhancements. 
• Support lifecycle activities including requirements definition, architecture evolution, testing, deployment, and sustainment of ground and network systems. 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science required; advanced degree preferred 
• 10+ years of U.S. Government (USG) program/project management experience, preferably supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) satellite or ground segment programs 
• 5–7 years of engineering or technical foundation experience sufficient to credibly lead multidisciplinary teams and engage in informed program-level trade discussions 
• Demonstrated experience as a Product Owner or similar role delivering complex ground segment, satellite communications, or network management systems in a government or defense environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs using Scaled Agile (SAFe) or hybrid delivery frameworks 
• Strong understanding of end-to-end space systems architecture, including satellite operations, ground infrastructure, and network integration. 
• Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized backlogs, technical requirements, and executable roadmaps. 
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and clearly convey technical trade-offs, risks, and program status. 
• Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion 
• Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments 
• Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities 
• Be proactive in sharing knowledge you’ve learned with others 

• Experience with national security space programs or classified environments, including familiarity with DoD or IC mission requirements. 
• Background in satellite network management, ground system automation, or software-defined infrastructure for space operations. 
• Knowledge of modern DevSecOps practices and agile frameworks applied to complex aerospace or defense systems. 

• Be able to travel up to 10% 
• Be a U.S. citizen 

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: $140,000 - $190,000 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.