> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1896381-senior-payload-computer-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1896381-senior-payload-computer-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Payload Computer Systems Engineer - **Company:** Iridium Satellite, LLC - **Location:** Leesburg, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $140,000.0 - $180,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), Data Analysis, Bit Error Rate, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Databases, Computer Engineering, Modems, Flash Memory, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), Powerpc, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Gitlab, Computer Equipment, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Atlassian Tools, Software Performance, Programming Languages - **Published:** August 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17768927?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17768927%2FSenior-Payload-Computer-Systems-Engineer-Virginia-Leesburg ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline * 8+ years of experience supporting spacecraft or satellite payload computer systems, embedded systems, or closely related engineering environments * Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues within complex, mission-critical systems * Working knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python * Experience working in Unix/Linux environments * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams * Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion * Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments * Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities * Be proactive in sharing knowledge you've learned with others Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table: * Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite, GitLab or similar configuration management tools * Familiarity with PowerPC processors, Xilinx FPGA architecture, Space Wire bus protocols * Familiarity with space operations environment We'll also need you to: * Must be willing and able to participate in a 24/7 on-call environment to support critical satellite operations * Be able to travel up to two times per year * This role requires access to export-controlled technologies; candidates must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR) 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. ## Description We are looking for an engineer who loves working with computer systems and is heavily invested in the space industry. As a Payload Computer Systems Engineer, you will work among a diverse engineering and analysis team to perform design, testing, on-orbit checkout and monitoring, anomaly resolution and hardware longevity efforts of satellite payload computer hardware and software for the Iridium satellite constellation. In this role, you will work with cross functional engineering teams including payload software development, system integration and test, mission operations and system architecture. You will also develop expertise in new technologies and rapidly adapt to evolving mission needs, helping deliver innovative functionality and services that keep Iridium at the forefront of the commercial space industry. What You'll Do: Conduct payload computer, modem board, and power supply performance analysis and create plans and procedures for 240 payload computers, 320 modem boards, and 160 power supplies * Analyze on-orbit payload computer hardware and software performance and respond to computer anomalies whether software related, hardware failures or space environment induced * Collaborate with payload software development team, satellite subsystem engineers and test teams to prepare a vehicle software build for on-orbit deployment and on-orbit test * Interface with vehicle manufacturer and payload computer vendors to discuss and resolve on-orbit computer hardware and software issues * Perform satellite payload computer data bus analysis (SpaceWire, MGT, SelectMap, ML16DS16) * Analyze computer/modem board space environment effects + SDRAM/Flash memory analysis for bit error/failure mitigation + Modem board SEFI analysis and mitigation + Dosimeter data analysis and FPGA SEFI scrub cycle performance * Participate in characterization and prioritization of payload software features and defects within payload software builds and present results * Deliver operational satellite software products (telemetry tables, command sequences, on-board databases, new software product loads) through configuration management systems * Develop technical documentation and provide training and knowledge transfer to operations personnel and new engineering team members * Lead and execute multiple payload computer engineering efforts concurrently, including satellite anomaly investigation, hardware longevity analysis, software feature implementation, and on-orbit validation ## Related Videos - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Modern DevOps for IoT Devices and More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1805-wearedevelopers-live-modern-devops-for-iot-devices-and-more) - [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone) - [Enabling automated 1-click customer deployments with built-in quality and security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/83-enabling-automated-1-click-customer-deployments-with-built-in-quality-and-security) - [Bringing digital education to refugee and host communities in remote regions of Africa](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/644-bringing-digital-education-to-refugee-and-host-communities-in-remote-regions-of-africa) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [Are Code Reviews Worth It? Insights from 16 Years of Review Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1135-are-code-reviews-worth-it-insights-from-16-years-of-review-data) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Remote Work: Best Practices for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/315-remote-work-best-practices-for-developers) - [Best Paying Remote Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/255-best-paying-remote-jobs) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)