Senior Deputy Program Manager, Engineering

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. Our teams are passionate about providing a reliable lifeline for first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, lone workers, ships, aircraft, and remote operations worldwide. We foster an empowering and inclusive culture that challenges employees to think boldly and collaborate on impactful solutions.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Deputy Program Manager, Engineering for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. In this role, you will work with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives for a high-impact program with multi-million-dollar implications. You will manage multiple activities and cross-functional projects, focusing on end-to-end system solutions, new product development, or network elements within the Iridium architecture. This position requires an active or current Top-Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one (a U.S. Security Clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active).

Responsibilities

• Work with senior management to develop strategic plans for the program’s technical vision, ensuring delivery of high-quality results and complex solutions while driving continuous improvement cross-functionally.
• Manage the coordination and delivery of multiple or complex assignments within identified timelines and budgets, ensuring end goals are met.
• Work independently to ensure projects meet financial performance targets as established in project pipeline budgets and Estimates to Complete.
• Collaborate with Program Managers to ensure projects deliver quality results, activities are well-designed, and funds are expended to meet overall project objectives, contract deliverables, and indicator targets.
• Serve as a sounding board on strategic program decisions and provide thought leadership in program design and delivery.
• Manage requirements and planning basis methodically, including the use of configuration management practices (CM).
• Support proposal development and execution for future contracts and amendments.
• Provide clear briefings to senior leadership, managing significant risks and issue resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in engineering, mathematics, or science.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in U.S. Government (USG) development and/or operational program/project management, preferably in a large, global organization.
• 5+ years’ experience managing complex technical projects, preferably on Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) satellite or satellite ground programs.
• 5-7 years of classical engineering experience.
• Experience leading Scaled Agile projects.
• Experience managing cross-functional issues where analysis of situations or data requires evaluating intangibles.
• Ability to foster cross-functional team building to deliver complex projects and individual goals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and issues clearly and adapt to different communication techniques.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside your department, and provide constructive feedback.
• Analytical skills to assess situations, generate effective solutions, and see them through to completion.
• Creativity and resourcefulness to make reliable decisions and determine methods for new assignments.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
• Proactive in sharing knowledge with others.
• Active or current Top-Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain one (a U.S. Security Clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Accreditation (APMP, PMI, or equivalent).

Work Environment

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, involving computer work with basic office equipment. 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: $150,000 - $195,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors. Base salary is one part of the compensation package, which may also include company stock, annual bonus, and benefits.

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.