Senior Payload Computer Systems Engineer

About the role

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with a network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. We support critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things. We are seeking an engineer with a passion for computer systems and a strong background in the space industry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct payload computer, modem board, and power supply performance analysis and create plans and procedures for 240 payload computers, 320 modem boards, and 160 power supplies

• Analyze on-orbit payload computer hardware and software performance and respond to computer anomalies

• Collaborate with payload software development team, satellite subsystem engineers and test teams to prepare a vehicle software build for on-orbit deployment and on-orbit test

• Interface with vehicle manufacturer and payload computer vendors to discuss and resolve on-orbit computer hardware and software issues

• Perform satellite payload computer data bus analysis (SpaceWire, MGT, SelectMap, ML16DS16)

• Analyze computer/modem board space environment effects

• SDRAM/Flash memory analysis for bit error/failure mitigation

• Modem board SEFI analysis and mitigation

• Dosimeter data analysis and FPGA SEFI scrub cycle performance

• Participate in characterization and prioritization of payload software features and defects within payload software builds and present results

• Deliver operational satellite software products (telemetry tables, command sequences, on-board databases, new software product loads) through configuration management systems

• Develop technical documentation and provide training and knowledge transfer to operations personnel and new engineering team members

• Lead and execute multiple payload computer engineering efforts concurrently, including satellite anomaly investigation, hardware longevity analysis, software feature implementation, and on-orbit validation

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience supporting spacecraft or satellite payload computer systems, embedded systems, or closely related engineering environments
• Working knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Ability to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion
• Proactivity in sharing knowledge you’ve learned with others

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite, GitLab or similar configuration management tools
• Familiarity with PowerPC processors, Xilinx FPGA architecture, Space Wire bus protocols

Skills

• Proactive in sharing knowledge you’ve learned with others

Benefits

We offer a competitive base pay range of $140,000 - $180,000 USD, along with a variety of employee benefits including 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.

Pay

Base salary is only one part of our compensation package for this role. You may also be eligible for company stock and annual bonus.

Schedule

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.

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 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.