Associate Director, Ground Systems Software Engineering

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 Associate Director, Ground Systems Software Engineering who is ready to rise to the next level in their career. As an Associate Director, you will lead a high performing team responsible for delivering results over many areas of the software lifecycle: design, development, debugging, testing and optimization, and operational satellite software support. In this role, you will help to shape the culture and operational philosophy of our ground software team, while utilizing your project management skills in scheduling, resource planning, and budgeting. If you're an experienced software developer with excellent leadership, management, and coaching skills, then we want to talk to you.

What You'll Do:

Be responsible for the Ground Software engineering team's performance by providing leadership, guidance, and coaching to staff members on core competencies, career development, training, employee goal setting, and performance reviews. Instill excellence in employee development and performance to attain the highest level of productivity.
• Work collaboratively across organizations with program management and key stakeholders to set program objectives and ensure that work planning and task execution are accomplished to meet satellite software and product roadmaps
• Be responsible for the overall software development life cycle through in service delivery
• Set team goals and directives in support of Iridium business and product strategy
• Direct the software process with the goal of delivering high quality releases on time, on budget, and exceeding customer expectations and identify issues and course correct, as required
• Support the organization and team Agile goals to deliver high value software, frequently, to our service customers
• Establish and maintain the Ground Systems Software program budget as well as software project schedules and budgets, and ensure effective resource planning and utilization within the team
• Manage hiring activities, including but not limited to job requisition definition, recruiting, interviewing, and selecting high-quality, enthusiastic, and motivated team members to meet current and future talent requirements
• Engage with the Special Programs department to provide guidance, interpretation, and key inputs regarding operating procedures and processes related to ground software deliverables
• Continuously raise the standard of software engineering excellence by implementing and driving best practices for coding, testing, and deployment

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Be a strong motivator and source of direction for your team, exemplifying commitment to your team's goals, and exciting and inspiring peak performance
• Have a people-oriented mentality and actively promote cross-functional team building among software and non-software groups
• Able to confidently drive discussions, raise support for key ideas, and tailor your communication style to a wide range of audiences
• Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to critical situations
• A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, with pragmatism and bias for action
• Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
• Excellent prioritization skills and the ability to effectively coordinate the activities of multiple groups
• A passion for attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining talent

Things You Must Bring to the Table:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field, OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 12+ years of professional experience, including 8 years of experience developing satellite ground software
• Previous experience managing other managers, direct reports, and contractors, as well as managing department level budgets, schedules, resources, and vendor relationships
• Demonstrated competency in project management
• Experience with Agile Methodologies
• Possess an active/current Secret Security Clearance with the ability to obtain Top SecrectCI Polygraph (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active.)

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Experience with Satellite ground software, including
• Experience partnering with Agile teams to deliver exceptional outcomes using the Atlassian tool suite

We'll also need you to:

• Be a US citizen

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or status as a protected veteran. EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability and other protected categories.