Full-Time
Software Engineer I
Posted on 3/13/2025
Iridium Communications
501-1,000 employees
Global mobile satellite communications provider
No salary listed
No H1B Sponsorship
Tempe, AZ, USA
Hybrid schedule requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.
Hybrid schedule requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.
Hybrid schedule requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.
US Citizenship Required
 Software Engineering (2) |
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- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
- 0-2 years of related software engineering experience for complex technical projects, preferably direct experience in telecommunications, ground networks, electronic products development/manufacturing, or satellites
- Proficiency in coding and assisting with coding complex software applications with multiple subsystems and interfaces, preferably in a language such as C, C++
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information and ideas to others
- Have confidence and be able to easily build meaningful relationships with your manager and members of your team
- Must be able to prioritize your tasks, be self-aware enough to identify and correct mistakes, and not be afraid 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
- Apply software engineering best practices and processes to the development of software for different projects and services in the Iridium Gateway
- Work closely with Vendors to incorporate their products and software into Iridium service solutions
- Assist in the implementation, build, and verification activities and help troubleshoot issues to resolution
- Perform analysis activities to ensure designs meet technical performance targets
- Conduct required gateway functional & performance analysis studies, interface definition, and detailed trade studies
- Work closely with the Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) team to make sure products have been tested thoroughly
- Collaborate with team members to ensure high quality products are ready to be deployed into production according to the assigned schedule
- Utilize critical thinking skills to support the team in applying new ideas and approaches, such as designing and developing enhancements to existing and new systems
- Programming languages such as Tcl/Tk, Java, JavaScript, Python, Shell scripting
- Databases: MySQL, Cassandra
- Operating Systems: Linux/Redhat
- Protocols: TCP/UDP, SIP, ISUP
- Telecom industry specs and architecture: 3GPP, GSM, LTE
- Working knowledge of communications systems, using TCP/IP and pub/sub frameworks
- Working knowledge of networking protocols, routers, switches, etc.
- Familiarity with Tool Suite such as Gitlab, Bitbucket, Jira and Confluence
- A good understanding of tools and software applications that support system engineering best practices
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
McLean, Virginia
Founded
2000
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People at Iridium Communications who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Aireon acquisition adds $100M+ annual service revenue and $30M OEBITDA by integrating space-based air traffic surveillance with Iridium's global network.
- The Iridium 9604 module reduces board space by 60%+ while accelerating global IoT deployment through integrated satellite, cellular, and GNSS connectivity.
- Certus 100 safety services offer a low-cost, polar-capable retrofit for civil aviation, standardizing fleet connectivity and cutting hardware costs significantly.
What critics are saying
- NTN providers Starlink and Kuiper aggressively target Iridium's IoT niche with direct-to-device services, eroding pricing advantage and subscriber growth in 6–12 months.
- Certus 100 FAA certification delays could postpone Airbus/Boeing adoption, giving Viasat's aging GEO-based safety services 12–18 months to retain polar aviation fleet share.
- Iridium's flat 2% 2026 revenue guidance reflects stalled legacy demand and insufficient cannibalization by new products, risking analyst downgrades and equity devaluation in 6–9 months.
What makes Iridium Communications unique
- Iridium operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage for mission-critical IoT and PNT services.
- The Iridium 9604 module integrates satellite SBD, LTE-M cellular, and GNSS in a compact dual-mode unit simplifying global IoT deployment.
- Iridium's acquisition of Aireon merges space-based air traffic surveillance with global satcom, enabling unified aviation safety and data services.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Hybrid Work Options
Company News
Explore the interactive timeline to view key milestones and artifacts from over 30 years of Iridium's rich history.
Press releases. Iridium's next-generation hybrid IoT Module and Development Kit are now commercially available. The Iridium 9604 Module and Development Kit streamline global IoT development with integrated satellite, cellular, and GNSS connectivity MCLEAN, Va., June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, today announced commercial availability of the Iridium(R) 9604 module and Development Kit, giving developers, OEMs, and solution providers a faster path to build and scale connected IoT solutions worldwide. Combining Iridium Short Burst Data(R)(SBD(R) satellite connectivity, LTE-M cellular, and GNSS positioning, the Iridium 9604 module delivers a compact, integrated solution for global IoT deployments. Alongside the Iridium 9604 Development Kit, developers can rapidly prototype, test, and validate hybrid satellite, cellular, and GNSS applications with resources that simplify integration and streamline deployment workflows. Built on the u-blox SARA-R5 platform, the Iridium 9604 is designed to reduce hardware complexity, lower integration costs, and accelerate time to market for connected solutions operating across industrial, infrastructure, transportation, mobility, utilities, maritime, and remote monitoring applications. The integrated design helps reduce board space requirements by 60 percent or more while simplifying RF routing, power architecture, and firmware development. "The Iridium 9604 module and Development Kit represent a major milestone in making truly global IoT connectivity more accessible and easier to deploy," said Tim Last, executive vice president, Iridium. "By replacing three separate components with one integrated solution, developers can simplify device design, reduce costs, and create smarter, location-aware products capable of staying connected far beyond terrestrial coverage." Early developers and beta participants reported significant operational and economic benefits from the platform's integrated architecture. "The Iridium 9604 has enabled us to develop a truly global asset tracking solution without relying on terrestrial network infrastructure. Its reliable coverage, compact form factor, and straightforward integration have significantly accelerated our development process and allowed us to focus on optimizing the end-user experience," said Askar Gabit, CEO, GPSOne. "For applications in remote and challenging environments, the Iridium network provides the confidence that critical data can be delivered when it matters most." The Iridium 9604 gives developers independent control over satellite, LTE-M, and GNSS subsystems, enabling flexible implementation of failover logic, location-aware connectivity decisions, and application-specific routing strategies. A unified AT command set and comprehensive SDK resources further simplify development and integration. Built for scalable and power-sensitive IoT applications, the Iridium 9604 features a compact 16 mm x 26 mm x 2.4 mm form factor optimized for deployments where size, resiliency, and efficiency are critical. The platform supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou GNSS services alongside LTE-M (Cat-M1) and Iridium's 100% global L-band satellite network. The Iridium 9604 represents the next evolution of Iridium's broader IoT strategy, expanding beyond traditional satellite-only hardware to support unified, multi-mode connectivity architectures. The Iridium network now supports multiple IoT pathways, including dedicated Iridium SBD modules, Iridium NTN Direct(SM) standards-based direct-to-device capabilities, and larger payload connectivity through the Iridium Certus(R) 9704 module. Operating on the world's only truly global mobile satellite network, the Iridium 9604 delivers reliable connectivity across remote land areas, oceans, airways, and polar regions where other networks are unavailable or unreliable. About Iridium Communications Inc. Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network, delivering reliable voice, data, and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services anywhere on Earth. Iridium supports safety- and mission-critical operations for diverse markets such as aviation, maritime, government, emergency services, critical infrastructure, autonomous systems, and remote monitoring applications, where connectivity is essential. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium provides its products and services through an ecosystem of 500-plus partner companies around the world. For more information, visit www.iridium.com. Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to Iridium Communications Inc.. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the capabilities, benefits and availability of the Iridium 9604, expected demand by developers and the suitability of the Iridium 9604 for dual-mode IoT deployments across industrial, infrastructure, and mobility applications. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the company's ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 12, 2026, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. | Press Contact: | Investor Contact: | | Jordan Hassin | Kenneth Levy | | Iridium Communications Inc. Iridium Communications Inc. | | [email protected] | [email protected] | | +1 (703) 287-7421 | +1 (703) 287-7570 | | X: @Iridiumcomm | / | SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc. Quick Links
Iridium to acquire full ownership of Aireon. Iridium Communications entered (14-May-2026) a definitive agreement to acquire full ownership of Aireon. Iridium will acquire the remaining 61% of equity interests of Aireon from NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair for approximately USD366.7 million. The transaction is targeted to close in early Jul-2026. The acquisition will combine Aireon's surveillance and data services, including GPS jamming and spoofing detection, with Iridium's global satcom network and positioning, navigation and timing services. The Aireon system operates on the Iridium satellite constellation. NAV CANADA and NATS will sign extended data services agreements through to 2035 and beyond, with provisions for continued cooperative development of space based VHF communications and other new capabilities. Iridium CEO Matt Desch commented: "Bringing Aireon fully inside Iridium better positions us to build what's needed to support the future of aviation, including more innovations like the future introduction of space-based VHF communications". [more - original PR - Iridium] [more - original PR - NAV CANADA] [more - Aviation Week]
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.