Senior Principal Software Engineer Lead

Senior Principal Software Engineer LeadWhat We’re Looking For: If you enjoy learning about and working with breakthrough technologies, and have software engineering experience within the space or satellite communications industry, you will be excited about the Senior Principal Software Engineer opening on the Ground Development team with Iridium for a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you’ll be responsible for implementing continuous improvements cross-functionally by setting objectives and effectively managing multiple priorities, as it relates to ensuring the compatibility and performance of satellite ground system software with customer requirements. You will be tasked primarily with collaborating across teams to assess risks, identify solutions, and support partners and customers to meet program schedules and technical expectations. You will succeed in this role if you bring strong systems-thinking, proactive problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate complex requirements into actionable technical solutions.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:Work independently within CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) and classified environments, generating process documentation and performing conformance assessmentsEstablish strategies for developing ground software products for future government opportunities that take advantage of the many years of successful Iridium constellation operations experienceLead the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of software engineering processes – including best practices for change control, development prioritization, and risk management – ensuring alignment with SDA Ground Systems requirements and proper documentation within the Software Development Plan (SDP)Support, plan, and execute the implementation of software releases per direction of stakeholders, ensuring the SW meets all requirements, and contract deliverables are met, while assuring commitments remain within contract scopeEffectively communicate to all stakeholders and leadership, through briefings and documentation, planned implementations and progress, technical risks, and/or issue resolutionsBe the final arbiter (highest level of the decision tree) for technical decisions/disputesIdentify technical standards, tools, and frameworks that align with project goals and drive long-term efficiency, scalability, and quality across software development effortsMentor junior and peer-level engineers to support technical growth and knowledge sharing across the teamLead and drive trade studies to evaluate and inform strategic decision-making for new business opportunities; Serve as the primary point of contact for technical issues related to the satellite ground system software, working with customers and partners to resolve problems and ensure satisfactionStay up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices related to satellite ground systems and software developmentWhat You’ll Need to Succeed:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or related engineering discipline15+ years’ Systems Engineering, Test, or Software Programming experience7+ years’ satellite control ground systems experienceAbility to create and/or drive major updates to the existing architectureDevelop an expert working knowledge of complex technical subject matter as it pertains to SDAStrong troubleshooting skills and ability to use reference documentationExcellent communication skills, with the ability to present information, drive discussion, and respond to difficult scenarios with limited preparation across all employee groupsThe ability to build productive relationships with all levels of internal and external leadership to build consensus and drive results and champion collaboration across multiple departmentsBe able to think on your feet to respond to difficult situations and resolve issuesActively looks for ways to enhance and improve current processes and proceduresSkilled at managing multiple priorities while ensuring that work is of high qualityMust be proactive in seeking out knowledge and sharing what you’ve learned with othersExceptional problem solving, good judgment, decisiveness and data mining skillsRepresent Iridium’s interest in technical liaisons with Contractors and CustomersThings That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:An understanding of Software Security including Security Best Practices and interface hardeningPrevious experience delivering complex satellite ground systemsExperience or familiarity with the following technologies:Kubernetes / Docker / OpenShift / JFrog Artifactory and JFrog PipelinesRed Hat Linux based environments and bash shell scriptingXML / JSON / SQL / YAMLNo SQL based DBs (e.g. Mongo/Redis)Atlassian management/software development toolsMicro Services based architecturesAutomated testing frameworksGov and non-Gov AWS cloud environments and architecturesWe’ll also need you to:Be able to travel up to 10%Be a US CitizenWork 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.Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17