Principal 4G/5G Core Engineer

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.

What We're Looking For:

Iridium is seeking a Principal 4G/5G Core Engineer who will be a key member of the Systems Engineering team and be responsible for the design, implementation, and management of advanced network infrastructure, including 4G/5G Core networks, with a strong emphasis on automation, security, and system reliability. The position requires deep expertise in Linux environments, CI/CD architecture, and system analysis to support highly technical, project-based initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage complex technical assignments, contribute to integration and testing efforts, and develop innovative solutions that align with evolving project requirements. Strong documentation, disaster recovery planning, and cross-functional coordination are essential to success in this role.

What You’ll Do:

Develop and maintain network infrastructure, including automation and security

Administer and manage the 4G/5G Core network

Manage Linux and/or Debian GNU/Linux environments

Handle multi-user environment/system management

Define, prepare, and maintain CI/CD architecture

Manage backups and Disaster Recovery processes

Prepare and maintain technical documentation

Perform requirements analysis, definition, decomposition and management for project-based services, conduct required system analysis (functional & performance), interface definition, and detailed trade studies

Provide support to the integration and test teams

Manage the coordination and delivery of multiple or complex technical assignments designed with end goals in mind, including managing shifting priorities

Demonstrate the ability to understand how complex issues are affecting project operations and identify and design the formation of innovative solutions from concept through to completion

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent experience with Network and Systems Engineering and integration of Telco-grade carrier networks

10+ years’ related experience in SysOps and/or DevOps for complex technical projects

Experience engineering and operating a 4G EPC (MME, SGW, PGW, PCRF, HSS, and SCEF)

Strong understanding of 4G and 5G Network call flows

Understanding of 3GPP and Industry Standards and roadmaps

Knowledge of network protocols, including but not limited to the Diameter, GTP, DNS, SS7/MAP, and HTTP

Experience analyzing and troubleshooting 4G/5G call flows using network diagnostic tools (i.e. Wireshark, IrisView, Netscout, etc.)

Experience with IP networking and routing

Proficient in Git, CI/CD, containerization, IaC: GitLab, Harbor, Helm, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible

Proficient in Linux and/or Debian GNU/Linux operating systems (administration, kernel parameters)

Experience with implementation and configuration of networks (Routing, Switching, Gateways, and Firewalls)

Proficient with monitoring tools and log servers (e.g., Elasticsearch, Prometheus, Splunk)

Experience with backups and Disaster Recovery

Scripting skills in Bash, Python, and Perl

A strategic mindset with the ability to demonstrate good judgment and decisiveness

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

Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion

Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities

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

Experience engineering and operating a cloud native 4G/5G Core network

5G Core experience, such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDR/UDM, AUSF, and NEF

Experience engineering and maintaining an SMSC (Short Message Service Center) and associated components

Experience with implementing and supporting 4G roaming services using an IPX carrier (i.e. Syniverse, BICS, etc.)

NB-IoT or LTE CAT-M experience

We’ll Also Need You To:

Be able to travel up to 25%

This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. To comply with the requirements of that U.S. government contract, applicants for this position must be U.S. citizen

Ability to obtain a U.S government issued security clearance

Work Environment:

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.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.