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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Systems Engineer, On-Orbit Test Coordinator - **Company:** Iridium Satellite, LLC - **Location:** Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $115,000.0 - $155,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Software Applications, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Databases, Python (Programming Language), Software Tools, Scaled Agile Framework, Microsoft SharePoint, Shell Script, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Test Scripts, Orbital Mechanics, Integration Tests, Atlassian Tools, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18447253?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18447253%2FSenior-Systems-Engineer-On-Orbit-Test-Coordinator-North-Dakota-Grand-Forks-Air-Force-Base ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or related field, OR equivalent on-orbit test experience in lieu of a degree * 8+ years of relevant experience in satellite operations, satellite on-orbit testing, ground system engineering, software integration and test, and/or software development * Strong knowledge of system engineering methodologies and AGILE processes * Strong familiarity with tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices * Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and recognize and adapt to different communication techniques * An ability to build meaningful relationships with others, including senior leadership outside of your own department, and is comfortable providing constructive feedback to your team members and management * 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 * Skilled at the mechanics and operations of Low Earth Orbit Satellites Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table: * 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) * Intelligence Community (IC) or Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition background * Experience with orbital mechanics, space vehicle launches and early orbit functions * Programming languages such as: Java, Java-Script, Python, Shell scripting * Familiarity with Atlassian Tool Suite such JIRA, R4J and Confluence * Working knowledge of Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) We'll also need you to: * Be able to travel up to 10% of the time * Be a US Citizen * Be able to work shifts of four days on, four days off, with 12 hours a day expected per shift 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. ## Description 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 an experienced systems engineer with a background in space systems architecture and design, and have at least 8 years of experience, you will be excited about the Senior Systems Engineer opening with Iridium on our SDA (Space Development Agency) Project. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you'll be responsible for interfacing between the Iridium Operations team supporting the SDA and the Iridium System Engineering team in developing artifacts associated with the operations of the mesh network and ground segment. You will provide critical operations and integration support to improve our efficiency and effectiveness by implementing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations. Working in this role, you'll interface with the U.S. government in dealing with Iridium generated and delivered System Engineering documents that govern operations at the SDA operation centers. You'll also be responsible for the design, development and maintenance of functional on-orbit test procedures, working with multiple satellite vendors to ensure synergy of on-orbit tests, assist the SDA in the development of operational test procedures, and act as a liaison between the space contractors, ground contractors and government team during operations. You will work 12-hour shifts with a team onsite in a 24/7, multi-satellite operations environment. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy tackling complex challenges and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This position requires an active/current 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 the on-orbit checkout and commissioning of a satellite and its ground segment, serving as the primary technical point of contact for all related activities * Develop, author, and execute detailed test plans and procedures for a variety of on-orbit activities, including payload activation, spacecraft subsystem checkouts, and system performance validation * Coordinate and lead integrated test teams, including operators, analysts, and subsystem engineers, to ensure seamless execution of on-orbit checkout procedures and anomaly resolution * Analyze telemetry data in real-time during checkout events to assess system health and performance, identify anomalies, and provide critical insights to the mission team * Conduct root cause analysis for any on-orbit anomalies or performance deviations, working with design engineers and subject matter experts to develop and implement effective solutions * Prepare and present technical briefings to senior leadership and stakeholders, providing updates on mission status, checkout progress, and any identified risks or issues * Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation related to the on-orbit checkout process, including test reports, anomaly logs, and final system performance reports * Generate and develop test procedures, in conjunction with existing plans for on-orbit test procedures * Be responsible for the disposition and maintenance of test procedures * Generate and develop System Engineering documentation as it relates to SDA Operations * Work with satellite vendors to ensure synergy of on-orbit tests * Be responsible for assigned documentation within SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or other relevant Iridium databases or tools * Collaborate with SDA and Iridium program leadership to assess risks and provide recommendations for improvement to on-orbit operations * Provide technical writing assistance in the development of Basis of Efforts (BOE) * Interface between the Iridium Operations team supporting the SDA and the Iridium System Engineering team in developing artifacts associated with the operations of the mesh network and ground segment * Provide integration support to improve our efficiency and effectiveness by implementing processes, procedures, checklists, and software tools for ground and satellite operations ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Developers don't need onboarding, do they? 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