Senior Systems Engineer, Proposal Development

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with 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. Our teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world, fostering an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the systems engineering aspects of proposal development, architecture definition, technical planning, and cross-functional collaboration for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. This role requires an active or current Secret Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering execution of complex proposal efforts by developing technical approaches, system architectures, RFP responses, Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and supporting technical documentation.
• Independently define system architectures, requirements decomposition, interface definitions, trade studies, and technical baselines across Space and Ground Segments.
• Drive technical collaboration across Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Program Management, Business Development, and other stakeholders to ensure proposal solutions are technically sound, executable, and aligned with customer requirements.
• Develop innovative technical solutions, evaluate design alternatives, identify risks, and provide recommendations that improve proposal competitiveness and program execution.
• Lead complex system analyses, including functional, performance, interface, and requirements analyses, ensuring technical decisions are supported by sound engineering principles and data-driven conclusions.
• Coordinate technical deliverables, proposal schedules, engineering estimates, and milestone execution while ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers while promoting systems engineering best practices and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the defense, aerospace, or space industry.
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, model-based systems engineering concepts, systems architecture, and Agile development processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, leadership, customers, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges, evaluate alternatives, and develop innovative engineering solutions.
• Proactive in identifying technical risks, improving engineering processes, and mentoring other engineers.
• Capable of independently managing multiple complex technical priorities while coordinating cross-functional activities to meet aggressive proposal and program deadlines.
• Active or current Secret Security Clearance (or ability to obtain one).
• U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing, and operating Space Vehicle Subsystems.
• Experience with Hardware and Software Development Life Cycle processes.
• Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, and communication architectures.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools including Jira, R4J, and Confluence.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government proposal development and competitive capture efforts.
• Experience performing system architecture trade studies and technical solution development for large-scale aerospace or defense programs.

Schedule

• Hybrid work policy requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.
• Up to 25% travel may be required.

Pay

Base Pay Range: $119,000 - $156,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors. This role may also be eligible for company stock, annual bonus, and other compensation 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.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary, involving the use of basic office equipment such as a computer, phone, keyboard, mouse, and printer.