Full-Time
Software Engineer 1
Test Automation Developer
Posted on 5/18/2026
Iridium Communications
501-1,000 employees
Global mobile satellite communications provider
No salary listed
No H1B Sponsorship
Chandler, AZ, USA
Hybrid
Hybrid role; three days on-site per week required.
US Citizenship Required
 Software Engineering (1) |
|---|
- 0 - 2 years of relevant experience in the software engineering industry
- Proficiency in Python programming languages
- Experience working with the Linux or Unix operating system and Atlassian tools, Jira, Bitbucket, Fisheye/Crucible, and Bamboo and Confluence
- Experience with test automation frameworks and simulations that apply to all aspects of testing(unit, component, integration)
- Basic knowledge of network protocols/concepts (web sockets, TCP/UDP, message queues) such that you can debug and develop software components that communicate across diverse network layers
- Knowledge of key components of the Software Development Life Cycle process from requirements, design, implementation, testing, and deployment
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to communicate key messages and ideas clearly and effectively
- Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the willingness to take on any new tasks that are handed to you
- The ability to think outside the box to help solve problems, with the humility to ask for help when needed
- Be active in seeking out ways to improve yourself and gain new knowledge, and be enthusiastic in sharing knowledge with others
- An eagerness to develop professionally, continuously learn, and share knowledge with others to develop creative solutions
- Work with team members to complete software development projects and assignments using Atlassian tools, including Jira, Bitbucket, Fisheye/Crucible, Bamboo and Confluence
- Complete tasks to document, test, analyze, and maintain software programs
- Assist Senior Software Engineers in developing new features that expand the capabilities of our Virtualized Test Platform/Automation Framework
- Develop software that supports automated test scripts derived from segment and operational requirements for our satellite software products
- Proactively complete all projects to the team’s approval standards as described in the “Definition of Done”
- Work collaboratively with the team towards continuous innovation, adding value, and reducing cost
- Participate as a member of the agile scrum team supporting daily standup meetings, sprint planning meetings and reviews/demonstrations and retrospectives
- Assist the team with backlog tasks, using a story point gauge and creating user stories
- Be on-call as needed
- Be able to work a hybrid schedule that includes at least 60% of your time in office
- Be able to travel up to 15 days annually
- Must be a US Citizen with no dual citizenship
- Experience with C++
- Experience working with Continuous Integration/Deployment such as bamboo and gitlab
- Docker containers and JFrog Artifactory
- Experience with real-time operating systems such as VxWorks and embedded software systems
- Experience with cloud technologies
Iridium Communications provides global mobile satellite services. It operates a constellation of low-Earth-orbit, cross-linked satellites that offer voice and data coverage anywhere on the globe, including areas without terrestrial networks. Users connect via satellites through compatible devices to reach ground networks and partners, enabling reliable communications in remote or challenging environments. The company serves commercial markets and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, through a worldwide partner network. Iridium differentiates itself by offering truly pole-to-pole coverage with a global satellite network that remains accessible where ground networks do not reach, along with secure, mission-critical services. The goal is to deliver dependable, secure communications globally for customers in industries like maritime, aviation, utilities, oil and gas, mining, public safety, and transportation, and to grow its customer base and partner ecosystem.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Bethesda, Maryland
Founded
2000
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Aireon adds about $100 million annual service revenue and $30 million OEBITDA.
- NAV CANADA and NATS data contracts now extend through 2035 and beyond.
- Certus 100 safety certification enables low-cost airline retrofits across legacy fleets.
What critics are saying
- FAA delays on Certus safety approvals would stall aviation-safety monetization through 2026.
- Aireon's revenue concentration leaves NAV CANADA and NATS contract renewals highly material.
- Project Authentic remains early-stage, while terrestrial authentication vendors already dominate enterprise security.
What makes Iridium Communications unique
- Iridium owns the world's only space-based ADS-B surveillance system after acquiring Aireon.
- Iridium combines aviation surveillance, satcom, PNT integrity, and operational analytics on one network.
- Project Authentic targets trusted location authentication for data centers using satellite-based PNT.
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Company News
Iridium Communications has reduced its 2025 service revenue growth guidance to 3–5%, citing faster-than-expected maritime customer shifts, delayed Positioning, Navigation and Timing revenue into 2026, and lower voice subscribers following USAID funding cuts. Despite the near-term outlook tempering, the satellite communications company is banking on new offerings including Iridium Certus IoT, NTN Direct and satellite-based time and location services for longer-term growth. The company recently launched its 9604 IoT module, which combines satellite, LTE M and GNSS in one package, targeting device makers. Analysts had previously projected Iridium to reach $1 billion in revenue and nearly $195 million in earnings by 2028. The guidance reduction raises questions about whether these forecasts remain realistic given competitive pressures and delayed monetisation of new services.
Iridium held its second quarter 2025 earnings call, with CEO Matthew Desch and CFO Vincent O'Neill discussing financial results. The company remains on track for 5% operational EBITDA growth at the midpoint of guidance but has adjusted its service revenue growth outlook to between 3% and 5% for the year. The reduction stems from three factors: the maritime broadband transition to a companion service, voice subscriber losses from cancelled USAID funding noted in the first quarter, and delayed positioning, navigation and timing revenue now expected in 2026 rather than 2025. Despite the adjusted outlook, Iridium continues to grow across most product lines. The company referenced its earnings materials available on its investor relations website for detailed financial metrics and reconciliations.
Iridium CEO Matt Desch receives 2026 Wash100 Award. Matt Desch, CEO and director of Iridium Communications, has accepted the 2026 Wash100 Award, marking his 12th time receiving Executive Mosaic's prestigious recognition for leadership across the government contracting sector. The Wash100 Award was presented to Desch by Jim Garrettson, Executive Mosaic CEO and founder of the Wash100 Award, recognizing his continued impact on satellite communications innovation, major contract wins, and the expansion of Iridium's role supporting defense, intelligence and civilian missions worldwide - reflecting his ability to guide the satcom company's growth while strengthening partnerships across the rapidly evolving space technology ecosystem. Why did Matt Desch win the 2026 Wash100 Award? Garrettson said Desch's 12 consecutive Wash100 recognitions reflect the consistency of his leadership and the strong confidence federal agencies place in Iridium's capabilities. One example of that trust is a U.S. Space Force contract worth up to $86 million awarded to Iridium to support enhanced mission-critical satellite communications through the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services program. Under Desch's leadership, Iridium has also continued developing advanced communications technologies. In May 2025, the company introduced an enhanced version of its Iridium 9603 two-way satellite communications module, designed with improved transmission security for use by the United States and allied nations. The compact system supports applications such as command-and-control communications and secure image or data transfer. Iridium has also expanded its footprint in positioning, navigation and timing technologies. In October, the company announced its PNT ASIC chip, an alternative positioning, navigation and timing solution designed to serve as a backup to GPS and other global navigation satellite systems. The chip uses signals from Iridium's low Earth orbit satellite constellation, which the company says are significantly stronger than traditional GPS signals and capable of penetrating buildings - offering additional resilience against jamming and spoofing. Strategic partnerships have also been a major focus. Iridium teamed with Syniverse to advance direct-to-device satellite connectivity for mobile network operators through its Non-Terrestrial Network DirectSM service, enabling global connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial networks. Who is Matt Desch? Matt Desch has served as CEO of Iridium Communications since 2009 and as a company director, helping transform the organization into a leading provider of advanced satellite communications. Before leading Iridium Communications, Desch served as CEO of the company's predecessor, Iridium Holdings, from 2006 to 2009 and as chief executive of Telcordia Technologies, now part of Ericsson, from 2002 to 2005. Desch also spent more than a decade at Nortel Networks, including serving as president of its global wireless networks business. Beyond Iridium, Desch contributes to several industry and national security organizations. He serves as a director of VeriSign and Unisys, where he chairs the compensation and human resources committee. He is also a member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to the president on ensuring the resilience and security of the nation's telecommunications infrastructure during crises. Desch holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Ohio State University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Chicago. What is the Wash100 Award? The Wash100 Award is Executive Mosaic's annual recognition of the 100 most influential leaders across government and the government contracting sector. Each year, Executive Mosaic selects honorees based on leadership impact, strategic vision, innovation and their ability to shape federal missions and national priorities. Wash100 recipients include senior government officials, military leaders and executives from leading GovCon companies. Now widely recognized as one of the GovCon industry's most prestigious honors, the Wash100 Award highlights leaders whose achievements and influence are helping shape the future of national security, government modernization and federal technology innovation. Desch's 12th Wash100 Award reflects the long-term influence he has built across the space and communications sectors. Through innovation, major federal partnerships and continued expansion of Iridium's satellite capabilities, his leadership continues to strengthen the role of space-based connectivity in supporting global government and defense missions. Executive Mosaic congratulates Matt Desch on his 2026 Wash100 Award. Share the Post:
Iridium Communications has unveiled the Iridium 9604, a compact IoT module that integrates satellite, LTE-M cellular connectivity and GNSS positioning into a single platform. The device combines Iridium Short Burst Data satellite service with cellular and location services, reducing solution complexity and costs for high-volume deployments. The module measures 16mm × 26mm × 2.4mm, saving 60% or more in board space compared to multi-component solutions. An oversubscribed beta program earlier this year received positive feedback, with developers reporting simplified designs and improved product economics by eliminating multiple components. Built on the u-blox SARA-R5 platform, the Iridium 9604 targets industrial, infrastructure and mobility applications. Commercial availability begins in June 2026, with the Development Kit available for testing. The launch represents Iridium's shift towards unified, multi-mode connectivity architecture.
Iridium Communications has reported fourth-quarter 2025 total revenue of $212.9 million, flat year-over-year, with service revenue reaching $158.9 million and representing 75% of total revenue. Full-year 2025 revenue grew 5% to $871.7 million, driven by IoT demand and mission-critical applications. The satellite services provider ended the quarter with 2,537,000 billable subscribers, up 3% year-over-year. Operational EBITDA for 2025 reached $495.3 million, a 5% increase from the prior year. For 2026, Iridium projects service revenue growth of flat to 2%. The company expects OEBITDA between $480 million and $490 million, reflecting a $17 million impact from shifting entirely to cash-based incentive compensation. Iridium repurchased 6.8 million shares in 2025 for $185 million and paid $62.9 million in dividends.