Director – North America Sales

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 experienced engaging large, complex aviation and government stakeholders and can translate air traffic management needs into funded, operational outcomes, then you will be excited about the Director, North America Sales role. In this role, you will be accountable for North America strategic engagement and growth with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA—building executive-to-technical relationships, shaping multi-year adoption roadmaps for Iridium’s space-based surveillance and data services, and converting priorities into jointly defined, funded initiatives. You will succeed in this role if you bring strong executive presence, sound judgement, and the ability to influence cross-functional and external partners without relying on formal authority. 

What You’ll Do:

• Own and drive North America strategic engagement with the FAA and NAV CANADA, serving as Aireon’s primary senior representative and trusted partner across executive leadership and technical organizations. 
• Develop and execute multi-year account strategies and adoption of roadmaps, translating customer operational priorities into prioritized use cases across oceanic and domestic airspace. 
• Lead the shaping of jointly defined initiatives (e.g., pilots, evaluations, integration efforts) and support conversion into funded projects by aligning stakeholders, defining success measures, and navigating complex planning, budgeting, and procurement environments. 
• Serve as commercial/account lead for NAV CANADA, accountable for customer satisfaction, renewals/expansion strategy, and sustained revenue growth through introduction of new products, services, and data-driven solutions. 
• Provide expert input to Aireon leadership on North America strategy, commercial positioning, and recommended deal/partnership terms; surface risks, tradeoffs, and customer insights to inform decision making. 
• Coordinate internal cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Operations, Legal/Contracts, Finance) and external partners to deliver customer outcomes and ensure commitments are feasible, measurable, and executed. 
• Represent Aireon across the North America ANSP and aviation ecosystem, strengthening the company’s credibility in air traffic management modernization and expanding strategic relationships that enable long-term growth. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business, Public Policy, or related field; or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree. 
• 12+ years of relevant experience in aviation, air traffic management, CNS/ATM, government/ANSP engagement, strategic accounts, business development, or related field. 
• Expert knowledge of the FAA organization and decision pathways, with a practical understanding of planning, budgeting, and funding processes that govern how initiatives are prioritized and approved. 
• Deep understanding of the ANSP environment and Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts, including CNS/ATM technologies and operational use-case development. 
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and negotiate effectively in complex, multi-party environments, building consensus without direct authority. 
• Strong strategic account management and business development capability, including opportunity shaping, value-case development, and navigation of complex procurement/customer environments. 
• Exceptional executive communication skills (written and verbal), able to synthesize ambiguity into clear recommendations, decision briefs, and stakeholder-ready messaging. 
• Sound judgement and decisiveness; able to assess risk, manage tradeoffs, and respond effectively in high-visibility situations. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, mobilize cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable customer outcomes with high quality and follow-through. 

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Direct experience delivering FAA or ANSP pilots/evaluations or integrating surveillance/data services into operational concepts and decision-support systems; familiarity with government/ANSP contracting models; and existing relationships within the North America ANSP ecosystem. 

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 25% (as needed for customer engagement, governance, and milestone delivery) 

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: $180,000 - $235,000 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.  

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.