Satellite Operations Jobs in Reston, VA (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 Program Management Associate Director for our Bumblebee program who will be responsible for working with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives as it relates to supporting a mission-critical Ground Segment infrastructure for government satellite operations. 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 architecture. You'll work alongside a highly skilled, cross-functional team solving complex, real-world challenges that directly impact mission success and national security outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technologies in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

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

• Lead end-to-end program execution for ground segment development, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance baselines are met across all satellite operations deliverables and contract milestones.
• Own program financial performance, managing budgets, funding profiles, and Estimates to Complete while proactively surfacing variances and corrective actions to senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, leading program status reviews, change board discussions, and stakeholder engagements to maintain alignment on ground segment priorities and mission timelines.
• Drive risk and opportunity management by maintaining the program risk register, ensuring mitigations are funded and resourced, and escalating critical items ahead of major decision gates.
• Manage cross-functional dependencies and subcontractor performance, holding internal teams and vendors accountable to integrated schedule commitments and contract deliverable quality.
• Ensure contract compliance and deliverable acceptance, working closely with contracts, finance, and quality assurance to meet all contract deliverables, and performance indicator targets.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape program strategy, including growth planning, follow-on positioning, and alignment of ground segment investments with broader organizational and customer objectives.
• Lead proposal development and capture efforts for follow-on contracts, modifications, and new business pursuits, driving win strategies, basis of estimates, and management volume development.
• Deliver clear, concise briefings to executive leadership and customers on program health, emerging risks, resource needs, and key decisions requiring action.
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing program team, setting priorities, removing obstacles, and fostering accountability across engineering, operations, and delivery staff.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science required; advanced degree preferred
• 12+ 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 managing programs using Scaled Agile (SAFe) or hybrid delivery frameworks
• Proven ability to manage cost, schedule, and performance baselines across complex, multi-vendor programs with competing priorities and firm deadlines
• Strong executive communication skills - able to distill complex program status, risks, and recommendations into clear, confident briefings tailored to diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and decisiveness, able to assess ambiguous situations and drive effective solutions
• Track record of building trusted relationships with senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams to achieve shared program outcomes
• Proactive mindset - consistently identifies process improvements, shares knowledge, and raises the performance of those around them

• Project Management Accreditation (APMP, PMI or equivalent)

• Be able to travel up to 20%
• 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: $165,000 - $230,000 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.