Engineer III, Mission Planner

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.

If you are enthusiastic about working in the space industry, then you will be excited about the Engineer III, Mission Planner opening with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Mission Planner, you'll participate in monitoring and controlling ground systems at the Operations Centers in Grand Forks, ND or Huntsville, AL. You will work 12-hour shifts with a team in a 24-hour, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you have a desire to be part of a team on the forefront of one of the most advanced satellite constellations in the world and are highly motivated and passionate about engineering and space systems.

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

Perform the scheduling of all satellite and ground resources to accomplish mission objectives; perform activity deconfliction, resource allocation, and determine optimal load balancing for traffic on the network
• Create, validate, and distribute all necessary products for the network including satellite and ground site schedules, antenna acquisition tables, and satellite routing almanacs
• Work closely with other teams to incorporate and deconflict maintenance events and special scheduling tasks
• Take an active role in the development and maintenance of Mission Planning procedures
• Continuously look for ways to improve tools and processes for streamlined operations

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years directly applicable experience working with satellites or in the space field
• Proficient with standard Microsoft Office/engineering tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work in a high paced operational environment often providing off-hours support
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
• Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the readiness to take on any new tasks that are handed to you
• The ability to handle multiple tasks at once and complete them on time with mostly no errors; must be able to prioritize tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

• General knowledge working in a Linux operating system
• General understanding of mission planning and satellite operations
• Familiarity with software development and programming skills (Python, Perl, and/or C++)

• Work 12-hour shifts
• Be a U.S. Citizen

This position exclusively works in the operations center. The position is largely sedentary with the majority of the position sitting in a chair and working with a computer. The role uses basic office equipment including a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse and printer. For meetings in person, this position will need to be able stand, walk within the office and climb stairs on occasion.

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.