Technical Manager, Ground System Director

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.

 

Position Summary, Job Requirements & Responsibilities:

What We’re Looking For:

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Technical Manager, Ground System Director opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Ground System Director, you’ll be responsible for managing the monitoring and control of the ground systems at the Operations Centers, as well as coordinating mission activities with partners and customers. You will work 12-hour shifts leading a team in a 24-hour, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you have a desire to lead a team on the forefront of one of the most advanced satellite constellations in the world and are highly motivated and passionate about engineering and space systems.

 

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

What You’ll Do:

• Foster and develop a highly effective team to manage and coordinate daily mission objectives and recovery from unplanned events
• Mentor and develop shift personnel operational performance and career advancement through regular feedback and annual Performance Review cycles
• Manage and coordinate execution of planned daily mission objectives
• Manage real-time monitoring of the ground system in support of the SDA mission, and analysis for first level troubleshooting and resolving issues
• Manage and coordinate recovery of issues within the ground system applications
• Manage and coordinate detection and recovery of issues at remote teleport antennas as well as Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Coordinate real-time anomaly investigation and resolution, following established Fault Escalation policies and procedures for both ground and space system issues
• Support process improvement initiatives by properly documenting all events through the anomaly and issue reporting process
• Create accurate, timely, and descriptive event logging for all ground system outages or system events
• Supervise daily mission activities of up to twenty mission partner and customer personnel

Experience & Education Requirements:

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in a network operations or spacecraft operations environment in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of related engineering experience
• Experience in leading a team in a real-time operations environment
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and role modelling commitment to your team’s goals
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present information and ideas to others
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• Have confidence and be able to easily establish valuable relationships with management, members of your team, mission partners, and customers
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Have the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects for yourself and your team while making sure to meet deadlines
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

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

• Proficiency in the LINUX operating system, as well as standard PC usage and applications
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills

We’ll also need you to:

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

ADA and EEO:

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. 

 

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least four days per week (approximately 80%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

 

Additional Information

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: $115,000 - $150,000 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 for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; 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.