Program Architect, USG Programs

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.

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.

Position Summary, Job Requirements & Responsibilities

What We’re Looking For:

If you are an experienced Program Architect working on U.S. Government (USG) or Commercial satellite programs, then you will be excited about the Lead Program Architect opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Lead Program Architect for a major USG satellite program, you’ll be responsible for working with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives as it relates to execution of this crucial satellite ground development program. In this role, you will focus on the overall technical solutions and integration of various technologies and operational demands. You will thrive/succeed in this role if you enjoy the challenge of new, emerging technologies and their applications to new missions.

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

What You’ll Do:

Direct satellite planning and scheduling, satellite command, or ground equipment command and control design architecture solutions

Direct technical migration of existing ground systems architectures to a complex, multi-layered satellite constellation of SDA

Be responsible for ensuring resolution of critical technical architecture issues across program/project and product lifecycles

Guide and support multi-disciplinary technical teams ranging in size from ~10 to >50 engineers

Support proposals/new business as the lead architectural technical contributor

Lead, communicate, and coordinate critical technical events, accomplishments, and issues to facilitate appropriate subject matter expert engagement

Play a key role as the primary program interface for approval of technical reviews across the program to and from the customer communities

Be responsible for ensuring system architectures are aligned to meet customer requirements

Ensure system architectures are in compliance with technical standards, effective engineering processes, mission assurance, design assurance, quality, audit, and internal integration, test and verification activities

Experience & Education Requirements / EEO

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline with 15+ years of related experience with an emphasis on mission integration, satellite flight, ground systems and/or ground support equipment; or Master’s degree in an engineering discipline and 10+ years of experience

12+ years demonstrated satellite engineering leadership experience with a proven track record

Satellite operations experience including Flight Dynamics, Mission Planning, Network Management, Ground Resource Management, Satellite sub-systems and related technologies, Real-time embedded systems/flight software, Satellite RF (Radio Frequency) and/or laser/optical communications systems (ground and space)

Experience with complex satellite ground systems, particularly previous deployment of developed systems to ground station operations

Architecture development experience for a software centric system

CONOPS / OPSCON development experience

Knowledge of Information Assurance/Security Engineering/Risk Management Framework requirements and how they impact system design and implementation

System Engineering process development and deployment

Cost estimation experience

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and confidently recognize and adapt to different communication techniques

Be a strategic thinker who demonstrates good judgment and decisiveness

Be able to analyze a situation or problem and come up with effective solutions

Can easily form relationships with executive leadership and encourage cross-functional team building

The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks according to deadline and budget limitations

Be proactive in finding new and enhanced ways of doing things and sharing your knowledge with others

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

Government mission operations experience

Satellite constellation development and/or operations experience

Detailed satellite operations experience including procedure development, training, transition planning, installation, and deployment

Competency in briefing engineering efforts to the government customer

Experience and knowledge of Government contracts, subcontracts, finance and business operations methods and techniques

Agile and Scaled Agile development experience

Technical writing

We’ll also need you to:

Be able to travel up to 25%

Be a U.S. Citizen

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in the company office or in a home office. The position is largely sedentary with the majority of the position sitting in a chair and working with a computer. The role uses basic office equipment including a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse and printer. For in person meetings, this position will need to be able stand, walk within the office and climb stairs on occasion.

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.