Director, Software Engineering Space Systems

Company Overview

Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global voice and data network, delivering reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth. For more than 20 years, Iridium has powered mission-critical communications for governments, businesses, aviation, maritime, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things.

Now part of Iridium, Aireon is the world’s only space-based air traffic surveillance system, providing real-time visibility of aircraft over oceans, the poles, and remote regions. Together, Iridium and Aireon are helping build a safer, more connected, and more efficient future for global aviation.

Join our team and help shape how the world stays connected. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where employees are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact.

Iridium is seeking a Director, Software Engineering Ground Systems Development reporting to the VP, Engineering who will be a key member of a leadership team developing Department of Defense (DoD) / Intelligence Community government space programs. As the Software Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for leading a large functional software engineering organization, including multiple software managers and their teams. Your team develops and maintains the software for ground system control, planning, and operations of satellite constellations for multiple programs.

In this role, you’ll lead the software team in the development, test, and implementation of systems, processes, procedures, and software tools for all ground operations pertaining to Ground Terminals and Operations Centers for satellite constellations. You will lead and oversee all design, implementation, integration, and transition to operations for these ground systems. If you’re passionate about leading and mentoring a team, then we want to talk to you.

This position requires an active/current Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

• Manage, foster and develop a high performing team of software engineers to provide new design and development of ground systems and related operations software for satellite constellations, as well as sustainment of operationally deployed systems, for the DoD and/or IC.
• Establish strong working relationships with customers and suppliers to drive solutions which maximize effectiveness of the Ground Development team’s deliverables, while recognizing the bounds of contractual obligations
• Mentor and train your team by evaluating employees’ performance, recognizing areas for improvement, and providing reliable solutions to problems that may impact your team’s effectiveness
• Manage the staffing and solution strategy of the Ground Software Development team, including identifying skills and experience needed for new hires, developing existing team skillsets, and supporting existing and evolving team tasks including new government projects
• Lead the Ground Development team in cross-functional projects and tasking, ensuring operational performance is optimized while meeting all program objectives
• Be accountable for meeting critical technical objectives and related technical milestones and deliverables
• Develop a vision, including outlining strategic plans and objectives, for the evolution of development skills, tools, and engineering processes for efficient, effective delivery of developed system elements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the satellite ground development industry, including experience with USG satellite development programs
• Previous management experience of a software engineering team
• Software development expertise including agile development process and demonstrated success with large scale software development projects
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groups
• Capable of being a…