Engineer II, Ground System Operator at Iridium in Huntsville, AL

Company Overview

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to 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.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We’re Looking For:

If you are a science and space enthusiast who is excited about working on cutting-edge technology and with a talented team of professionals, then you will be excited about the Ground System Operator II opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Ground System Operator II, you will participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems at one of the SDA Operations Centers. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDED! Inquire about details.  You will work 12-hour shifts with a team in a 24/7, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you have a desire to learn and execute new technical skills and are highly motivated and passionate about engineering and space systems.

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

What You’ll Do:

• Perform real-time monitoring of the ground system in support of the SDA mission
• Analyze operational data and execute first level troubleshooting to resolve issues
• Monitor spacecraft fleet-level health and status
• Work collaboratively with the team to detect and recover from issues within the Iridium ground system applications, and for a global network of remote teleport antennas and Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Support real-time anomaly investigation and resolution and follow established Fault Escalation policies and procedures
• Support process improvement initiatives by properly documenting all events through an anomaly and issue reporting process
• Create accurate, timely, and descriptive event logging for all ground system outages or system events

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
• 2+ years of related engineering experience
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information and ideas to others
• Have confidence and be able to easily build meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team
• Must be able to prioritize your tasks, be self-aware enough to identify and correct your mistakes, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed
• Be active in seeking out ways to improve yourself and gain new knowledge, and be enthusiastic in sharing knowledge with others

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

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 three days per week (approximately 60%) 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.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.