Senior Network Systems Engineer, Modeling and Simulation

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

Iridium is seeking a motivated Senior Systems Engineer, Modeling and Simulation to join our Government Programs Solutions Engineering Team on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Network Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions as it relates to designing, building, and applying tools and models for the analysis, simulation, and testing of space and ground communication networks. You will work directly with IP-based network architectures, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol), and common routing protocols to create accurate models of network behavior. In addition to performing analysis, you will participate in requirements analysis, decomposition and management, functional and performance analysis, network design, integration, as well as troubleshooting of network systems. If you enjoy solving complex problems in dynamic environments and want to build hands-on tools that drive decisions, then we want to talk to you!

This position requires the ability to work on U.S. Government programs up to CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information).

Develop and maintain network modeling and simulation tools to support design, analysis, and testing of IP-based communication networks
• Build models of IP networks with technologies such as MPLS, NETCONF, OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), and other common routing and transport protocols
• Proactively perform requirements analysis, definition, decomposition, and management for network systems
• Collaborate with the Chief Engineer and Project Systems Engineers to ensure technical accuracy and value of network models and simulations
• Conduct functional and performance analysis, interface definition, and detailed trade studies for space and ground network architectures
• Play a key role in technical reviews such as Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Program Increment Demonstrations
• Autonomously design and execute simulations that ensure network designs meet technical performance targets
• Analyze network data, validate simulation models, and refine them to improve accuracy and fidelity
• Work directly with stakeholders to translate technical needs into actionable models, tools, and simulation approaches

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM fields
• 8+ years of engineering experience on complex technical projects, preferably with direct experience in telecommunications, IP networking, or satellite communications
• Hands-on experience with IP networks, MPLS, NETCONF, and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol))
• Ability to learn and understand the functionality of end-to-end communication systems and model accordingly
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a problem and critically develop solutions
• Comfortable working independently as a developer/individual contributor while collaborating effectively with engineering teams
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Active in seeking ways to continuously improve skills and expand technical knowledge
• Accountable for the success of yourself and your team

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM fields
• An active/current Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)
• Experience with commercial or open-source network modeling and simulation tools such as Cisco Modeling Labs, OPNET, ns-3, OMNeT++, or similar
• Familiarity with physics-based modeling tools such as STK, AFSIM, or similar
• Programming skills in Python, C++, Java, or scripting languages (preferred but not required)
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, network configuration/automation (NETCONF, YANG, Ansible), satellite link budgets, routers, switches, and communication protocols
• Experience deploying and managing network models in cloud-based, containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, AWS), including use of CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and monitoring
• Strong knowledge of system engineering and/or network engineering methodologies
• Understanding of tools and software applications that support engineering best practices
• Experience with satellite communications systems, orbital mechanics considerations, or early orbit operations
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and languages such as MagicDraw/Cameo and SysML

• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be able to work in the office at least 3 days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders

• This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. To comply with the requirements of Iridium's U.S. government contracts, applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens.

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 three days per week (approximately 60%) 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.

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