Operations Engineer II, Mission Planner

Company Overview

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. 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, lone workers, ships, aircraft, and remote operations—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. Iridium is committed to an exciting, innovative workplace where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions.

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, we have an opening for Engineer II, Mission Planner on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Mission Planner you’ll participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems at an Operations Center. You will work 12‑hour shifts with a team in a 24‑hour, multi‑satellite operations environment. This position requires an active or current Top Secret Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one).

• Assist with scheduling all satellite and ground resources to accomplish mission objectives, performing activity deconfliction, resource allocation, and determining optimal load balancing for traffic on the network.
• Help create, validate, and distribute all necessary products for the network including satellite and ground site schedules, antenna acquisition tables, and satellite routing almanacs.
• Collaborate with other teams to incorporate and deconflict maintenance events and special scheduling tasks.
• Support the development and maintenance of Mission Planning procedures.
• Identify and support recommended improvements to tools, data workflows, and processes that enhance efficiency and reliability within mission planning operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 2+ years of directly applicable experience working with satellites or in the space field.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office/engineering tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work in a high‑paced operational environment often requiring off‑hours support.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information and ideas to others.
• Confidence and ease in building meaningful relationships with managers and team members.
• Strong prioritization skills, self‑awareness to identify and correct mistakes, and willingness to ask for help when needed.
• Enthusiasm for continuous self‑improvement and sharing knowledge with others.

• General knowledge of working in a Linux operating system.
• General understanding of mission planning and satellite operations.
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills (Python, Perl, and/or C++).

• Work 12‑hour shifts.
• Be a U.S. Citizen.

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, with the majority of the role performed at a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer. 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.

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: $77,000 – $96,000 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. You may also be eligible for company stock and an annual bonus. Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; 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.