Satellite Operator 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.

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Engineer II, Satellite System Operator opening with Iridium on our Space and Ground Services team. As an Engineer II, Satellite System Operator you’ll participate in 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 Engineer II, Satellite System Operator will be trained in and expected to participate in at least 2 of the roles on the real time operations 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, teleport network, mission LANs and/or Hosted Payload
• Participate in executing all satellite and/or Hosted Payload commanding and performing telemetry verification of satellite and/or Hosted Payload commanding activities
• Perform real-time system state of health evaluation, trending, and analysis for first level satellite sub-system engineering troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Support real-time system anomaly investigation and resolution and follow established fault escalation policies and procedures
• Support process improvement initiatives by properly documenting all network events through the anomaly and issue reporting process
• Work collaboratively with the team on 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 of the Iridium Wide Area Network (WAN), and escalates issues to Tier 2 support 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
• 2+ years of related engineering experience
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information and ideas to others
• Have confidence and be able to easily build meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team
• Must be able to prioritize your tasks, be self-aware enough to identify and correct your mistakes, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed
• Be active in seeking out ways to improve yourself and gain new knowledge, and be enthusiastic in sharing knowledge with others

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

• Have US Citizenship
• Work 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. 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: $80,000 - $100,000 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.