Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT)
- TS/SCI clearance
- Secret clearance
About the job
## Company Overview Iridium is an award-winning satellite communications company operating the world's only truly global voice and data network, delivering reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth. For more than 20 years, Iridium has powered mission-critical communications for governments, businesses, aviation, maritime, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things.
Now part of Iridium, Aireon is the world’s only space-based air traffic surveillance system, providing real-time visibility of aircraft over oceans, the poles, and remote regions. Together, Iridium and Aireon are helping build a safer, more connected, and more efficient future for global aviation. Join our team and help shape how the world stays connected.
We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where employees are empowered to innovate, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact. ## What We’re Looking For If you are passionate about space and deploying disruptive space technology, you’ll be excited about the Director, System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT) position for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project.
As a leader of the System Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT) team, you will be be responsible for implementing continuous improvements cross-functionally, by setting objectives and effectively managing multiple priorities, as it relates to the design, development, integration, test and delivery of ground system capabilities supporting the program.
As the Director of SEIT for our satellite ground segment program, you will be the key technical leader accountable for the successful execution of our strategic vision. You will lead a large team of engineers, guiding all aspects of the systems engineering, integration and test lifecycle from concept to verification and delivery.
This role requires a dynamic leader who can drive technical excellence, cultivate strategic partnerships with senior stakeholders, and ensure the successful and efficient operation of our ground segment to support critical mission objectives. This position requires an active/current Top-Secret Security Clearance (A U.S.
Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active). ## What You’ll Do - Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team comprised of architecture, systems, modeling and simulation, test and automation, and integration engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence to deliver a high-quality satellite ground segment - Architect and execute the strategic vision for the SEIT team, ensuring alignment with program objectives and consistently delivering superior results across all initiatives - Champion the integration of robust SEIT best practices and processes across the entire program, significantly enhancing efficiency, compliance, and overall mission assurance - Direct comprehensive system analyses - including functional decomposition, performance modeling, interface definition, and trade studies - to drive critical, data-informed decision-making and optimize program outcomes - Orchestrate and provide technical leadership for key program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR), ensuring successful progression through critical milestones and alignment with overarching strategic goals - Oversee the development and delivery of complex technical projects, effectively managing shifting priorities and risks to consistently achieve and exceed organizational objectives - Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with senior leadership and executive stakeholders, translating technical requirements into comprehensive project plans and driving organizational success - Initiate and lead continuous process improvement initiatives across the SEIT lifecycle, establishing frameworks for operational consistency and significant enhancements in efficiency - Direct the optimization of operational tools and processes, leveraging automation to improve satellite and ground operations and reduce manual overhead - Guide critical, real-time investigations into complex operational anomalies, developing and implementing solutions to mitigate risks and ensure uninterrupted satellite and ground segment operations - Ensure robust configuration management of all ground operations procedures and templates, establishing a framework for operational consistency, compliance, and reliability ## What You’ll Need to Succeed - Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field - 15+ years of relevant experience in Systems Engineering, Satellite Operations, or Ground Systems Software Development - Experience with large scale complex development for US Government national security programs - Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groups - Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and exemplifying commitment to your team’s goals - Have a people-oriented mentality and actively promote cross-functional team building - Able to confidently drive discussions, raise support for key ideas, and tailor your communication style to a wide range of audiences - Possess the creativity, resourcefulness, and decisiveness needed to manage risks and respond to critical situations - Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results - Excellent prioritization skills and the ability to effectively coordinate the activities of multiple groups ## Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table - Masters degree in aerospace engineering or related field - Knowledge of missile defense systems and programs - TS/SCI clearance ## We’ll also need you to - Be able to work in the office at least 4 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders - Be able to travel up to 25% - 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 four days per week (approximately 80%) 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. Base Pay Range: $200,000 - $260,000 USD Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors and this range represents an estimate of compensation at the time of posting. 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.
From Iridium's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New systems engineering, integration and test jobs in space, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About Iridium
Operates a global voice and data network of low earth orbit satellites.
Pay on its listings: 90.9% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Iridium's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More open jobs at Iridium
- Senior Manager, Government Solutions & Operations
- Systems Engineer III$95,000–$125,000/yr
- Business Development Manager, PNT- Maritime$108,000–$140,000/yr
- Test Engineer III$95,000–$125,000/yr
- Manager, Network Control Specialist$105,000–$135,000/yr
- Partner Account Specialist II$70,000–$87,000/yr
More systems engineering, integration and test jobs in space
- Software System Engineer
- Engineer Senior Principal - CONOPS - $10,000 SIGN-ON BONUS$132,962–$226,035/yr
- Engineer Senior Principal – Space Vehicle Systems / Simulators$132,962–$226,035/yr
- Associate Manager, Integration and Test Engineering 1
- Scientist, Systems Engineering (Chief Systems Engineer): Sign-on bonus ($50k max) 1
- Hardware Test Engineer$110,000–$176,000/yr
A systems, integration or test engineer?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
Iridium openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from Iridium's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.