Principal Product Owner, Network Management

Company Overview 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. What We’re Looking For: We are seeking a Principal Product Owner for our Bumblebee program who will be responsible for managing multiple activities and projects, including those with cross-functional teams, to support a mission‑critical Ground Segment infrastructure for government satellite operations. In addition to guiding ground‑system capabilities, the Product Owner will also support Satellite and Ground Network Management initiatives, ensuring seamless integration across the end‑to‑end space-to-ground architecture.  If you are drawn to the technical rigor of space systems, this role places you at the center of a National Security Missions group dedicated to full-lifecycle ground and network architecture. You’ll work alongside a highly skilled, cross‑functional team solving complex, real‑world challenges that directly impact mission success and national security outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge space technologies in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment.  This position requires an active Top-Secret/SCI Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)  What You’ll Do: Work collaboratively to support the product vision, roadmap, and priorities for the Bumblebee ground segment in alignment with mission objectives.  Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable product plans and capability roadmaps.  Lead end-to-end integration of satellite, ground segment, and network management systems to ensure seamless space-to-ground operations.  Own the product backlog, ensuring clear prioritization, refinement, and alignment with mission-critical timelines and technical dependencies.  Partner with engineering, systems, and operations teams to deliver resilient, scalable ground infrastructure and network management capabilities.  Ensure compliance with government, security, and mission assurance requirements across all product deliverables.  Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve complex technical challenges.  Serve as a key interface between technical teams and executive stakeholders, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and trade-offs.  Monitor system performance and operational metrics, using data to inform continuous improvement and capability enhancements.  Support lifecycle activities including requirements definition, architecture evolution, testing, deployment, and sustainment of ground and network systems.  What You’ll Need to Succeed: Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science required; advanced degree preferred  10+ years of U.S. Government (USG) program/project management experience, preferably supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and/or Intelligence Community (IC) satellite or ground segment programs  5–7 years of engineering or technical foundation experience sufficient to credibly lead multidisciplinary teams and engage in informed program-level trade discussions  Demonstrated experience as a Product Owner or similar role delivering complex ground segment, satellite communications, or network management systems in a government or defense environment. Demonstrated experience managing programs using Scaled Agile (SAFe) or hybrid delivery frameworks  Strong understanding of end-to-end space systems architecture, including satellite operations, ground infrastructure, and network integration.  Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized backlogs, technical requirements, and executable roadmaps.  Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership and clearly convey technical trade-offs, risks, and program status.  Be able to analyze a situation or problem, generate effective solutions, and see those solutions through to completion  Must possess the creativity and resourcefulness needed to make reliable decisions and determine methods on new assignments  Can thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks and managing shifting priorities  Be proactive in sharing knowledge you’ve learned with others  Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table: Experience with national security space programs or classified environments, including familiarity with DoD or IC mission requirements.  Background in satellite network management, ground system automation, or software-defined infrastructure for space