Full-Time
Senior Network Operations Analyst
Posted on 1/8/2026
Iridium Communications
501-1,000 employees
Global mobile satellite communications provider
No salary listed
Tempe, AZ, USA
In Person
Fully onsite: in-office attendance required 5 days per week.
 DevOps & Infrastructure (1) |
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- Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related discipline; OR equivalent, relevant experience in lieu of degree
- 5+ years of relevant, proven experience working with AWS cloud systems
- Previous experience working in a network operations capacity and/or Network Operations Center environment
- Intermediate knowledge of Linux command line skills
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
- Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others, including higher levels of leadership
- The ability to think outside the box to help solve problems, with the humility to ask for help when needed
- Adaptability to a dynamic environment and the readiness to take on any new tasks
- A strong motivation to achieve outcomes and results
- Capable of handling multiple tasks at once and completing them on time
- An eagerness to develop professionally, continuously learn, and share knowledge with others
- Note: This is a fully onsite position requiring in-office attendance 5 days a week, excluding flexibility for remote or hybrid work
- The selected candidate will complete initial training on a Monday–Friday, daytime schedule. Following successful completion of training, the role will transition to assignment on a swing or night shift (B or C shift) and participate in an on-call rotation, in accordance with operational requirements
- Be able to work in a 24x7x365 environment
- Be on call to support major network issues
- Be able to travel up to 10%
- Be able to lift up to 25 pounds
- This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. To comply with the requirements of that U.S. government contract, applicants for this position must be a U.S. citizen
- Contribute to the team, in a technically knowledgeable and experienced capacity, in monitoring, testing, and upgrading of cloud-based Gateway network elements
- Identify system/service anomalies and troubleshoot with urgency
- Respond to alerts in a timely manner and initiate corrective actions to restore network services
- Coordinate fault resolution with Iridium Engineering teams, various managers/leaders, and vendor support
- Document, prioritize, and drive resolution of system and service issues
- Create, validate, and update technical procedures
- Support troubleshooting of customer trouble tickets, serving as an escalation point and, in some cases, as a subject matter expert
- Collaborate with various subject matter experts within the company to draft, update, and organize technical training guides, job aids, and procedural documentation to ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to perform network control operations effectively
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by management
- Any AWS certification (i.e., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified AI Practitioner, etc.)
- Experience operating 3/4/5G Core networks (Mavenir is a plus)
- Experience operating 3/4/5G Open RAN networks (Gatehouse is a plus)
- Basic understanding or working knowledge of monitoring IOT device links
- Basic understanding or working knowledge of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies
- Basic understanding or working knowledge of satellite-to-cell integration and 4/5G NTN architecture
- Technical industry certification in Network+ or Linux (RedHat, CentOS, etc.)
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
- Commercial IoT subscribers grew 7% to 2,019,000 in Q1 2026.
- Certus 100 safety launches end-2026 with FAA-compliant low-SWaP-C retrofits.
- 34.8% free cash flow margin supports share repurchases and dividends.
What critics are saying
- OEBITDA drops $17M in 2026 from cash incentive compensation shift.
- Voice subscribers fell 2% to 399,000 despite ARPU rise to $48.
- Viasat retains aviation share as Certus trials delay past Q4 2026.
What makes Iridium Communications unique
- Iridium's LEO network provides global polar coverage for Certus 100 aviation safety services.
- Iridium 9604 module integrates satellite, LTE-M, and GNSS in 16x26mm package.
- Iridium NTN Direct enables 5G direct-to-device IoT on existing constellation.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Hybrid Work Options
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.