Principal Systems Engineer and Product Owner TS/SCI

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with the only network offering 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. People across the globe—including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers—as well as ships, aircraft, and remote operations rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Iridium is committed to an exciting and innovative workplace where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on bold ideas. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. We foster an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to be their best selves.

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer and Product Owner for our Bumblebee program. This role will manage multiple activities and projects, including cross-functional teams, to support mission-critical Ground Segment infrastructure for government satellite operations. The Product Owner will guide ground-system capabilities and support Satellite and Ground Network Management initiatives, ensuring seamless integration across the end-to-end space-to-ground architecture. This position places you at the center of a National Security Missions group dedicated to full-lifecycle ground and network architecture. You’ll work alongside a highly skilled, cross-functional team solving complex, real-world challenges that directly impact mission success and national security outcomes. This role requires an active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance (a U.S. Security Clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active).

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively to support the product vision, roadmap, and priorities for the Bumblebee ground segment in alignment with mission objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable product plans and capability roadmaps.
• Lead end-to-end integration of satellite, ground segment, and network management systems to ensure seamless space-to-ground operations.
• Own the product backlog, ensuring clear prioritization, refinement, and alignment with mission-critical timelines and technical dependencies.
• Partner with engineering, systems, and operations teams to deliver resilient, scalable ground infrastructure and network management capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with government, security, and mission assurance requirements across all product deliverables.
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Serve as a key interface between technical teams and executive stakeholders, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and trade-offs.
• Monitor system performance and operational metrics, using data to inform continuous improvement and capability enhancements.
• Support lifecycle activities including requirements definition, architecture evolution, testing, deployment, and sustainment of ground and network systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of U.S. Government (USG) program/project management experience, preferably supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) satellite or ground segment programs.
• 5–7 years of engineering or technical foundation experience sufficient to credibly lead multidisciplinary teams and engage in informed program-level trade discussions.
• Demonstrated experience as a Product Owner or similar role delivering complex ground segment, satellite communications, or network management systems in a government or defense environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs using Scaled Agile (SAFe) or hybrid delivery frameworks.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end space systems architecture, including satellite operations, ground infrastructure, and network integration.
• Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized backlogs, technical requirements, and executable roadmaps.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and clearly convey technical trade-offs, risks, and program status.
• Ability to analyze situations or problems, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion.
• Creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities.
• Proactive in sharing knowledge with others.
• Active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance (a U.S. Security Clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with national security space programs or classified environments, including familiarity with DoD or IC mission requirements.
• Background in satellite network management, ground system automation, or software-defined infrastructure for space operations.
• Knowledge of modern DevSecOps practices and agile frameworks applied to complex aerospace or defense systems.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, involving 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.

Pay

Base Pay Range: $140,000 - $190,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, and this range represents an estimate at the time of posting. Base salary is only one part of the compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Other discounts and perks.