Operations Specialist III

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:

The Aireon Operations Specialist III serves as the person who brings real-world aviation expertise to system design, incident response, and service delivery. Drawing on a background in air traffic management, flight operations, or aviation safety, this role ensures that Aireon's systems are not just technically sound but operationally fit for purpose. The specialist investigates service interruptions, translates complex technical findings into clear operational impact assessments for customers and stakeholders, and bridges the gap between the NOC, engineering, and product development teams. In short, this is the person who makes sure what we build actually works for the air traffic controllers, airlines, and ANSPs who depend on it every day.

What You’ll Do:

Guide and support Aireon service delivery and to provide an operational perspective on system performance, customer impacts, and service-related events

Be responsible for compiling and reviewing system service logs to identify service interruptions and outage periods affecting individual customers, as well as conducting detailed reviews of incident logs, operational observations, technical data, and event-specific notes to determine the nature, duration, and operational impact of an incident

Initiate and support investigations into potential causes, prepare interim and final reports for Aireon stakeholders and customers, and provide aviation operational subject-matter input to ongoing safety investigations and root cause analyses

Translate complex technical information into clear operational conclusions and communicate effectively with engineering, operational, management, and customer stakeholders

Work with the Product Development Team to create procedures for operations to support new products

Work with the operations center to facilitate integration of the new product support into their daily operations, onboarding of customers, identification of tier 2 support and escalation of issues to tier 3 personnel

Provide programme management support for the development of compliant safety and service requirements for the Aireon 3.0 project, whilst ensuring that safety and service requirements changes and evolutions for the current 2.x system currently deployed, are appropriate and managed effectively

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Bachelor’s degree, recognized professional aviation qualification or license—such as air traffic control, aircraft dispatch, or commercial pilot qualifications—or an equivalent combination of education and relevant operational experience, with demonstrated experience in complex aviation environments and locations

5+ years operational experience with working in a heavily regulated aviation environment

Knowledge of international aviation standards and recommended practices

Extended knowledge of aviation safety and quality management processes with hands-on experience, as they pertain to an integrated management system

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

Problem solving skills

Strong collaborator with an ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks accordingly

Ability to communicate effectively with various management levels and all stake holders

Ability to independently research and analyze complex situations and problem solve

We’ll also need you to:

Be able to work in the office at least 4 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders

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: $95,000 - $125,000 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.