Network Architect

Iridium Communications

  • Reston, VA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
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:Iridium is seeking a motivated Principal Network Architect II to join our Government focused System Architecture Team on a Space Development Agency (SDA) project. As a Principal Network Architect II, you’ll provide technical leadership and vision for the design, development, and integration of resilient and secure network systems across a hybrid space-ground architecture. You’ll collaborate across engineering, operations, and mission teams to align infrastructure with evolving program needs, and ensure network performance, security, and scalability are met with telecom-grade reliability.You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy designing innovative solutions, building architecture roadmaps, presentating the solution, answering technical questions, and aligning infrastructure with evolving mission needs.This position requires an active/current Top Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).What You’ll Do:
  • Validate, update, and modify robust network architectures for classified and unclassified environments supporting space-ground operations
  • Define and document architecture roadmaps and implementation strategies to support high availability and low-latency performance across diverse locations
  • Lead technical discussions and design reviews related to IP networks, routing, switching, encryption, cross-domain solutions, and transport technologies
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across engineering, cybersecurity, and operations to align network infrastructure with mission priorities
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with network vulnerabilities, performance degradation, and system interdependencies
  • Drive modernization efforts using automation, software-defined networking (SDN), and orchestration platforms
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and evaluate their applicability to mission requirements and long-term strategies
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
  • 12+ years experience in network architecture, design, or engineering, preferably supporting government or mission-critical systems
  • 5+ years supporting cross-domain or multi-enclave government networks
  • Ability to develop detailed network diagrams, architecture documentation, and implementation plans
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues clearly and confidently, and confidently recognize and adapt to different communication techniques
  • Be a strategic thinker who demonstrates good judgment and decisiveness
  • Be able to analyze a situation or problem and come up with effective solutions
  • Can easily form relationships with executive leadership and encourage cross-functional team building
  • The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment by handling multiple tasks according to deadline and budget limitations
  • Be proactive in finding new and enhanced ways of doing things and sharing your knowledge with others
  • Expertise in designing and supporting large-scale networks using technologies such as BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VXLAN, and IPsec
  • Experience with network security technologies including firewalls, VPNs, zero trust architectures, and secure enclave design
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • Active certifications such as CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent
  • Familiarity with space communications networks or satellite-ground transport architectures
  • Experience integrating SD-WAN, SDN, and network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, NetConf/YANG, Terraform for networking)
We’ll also need you to:
  • Be onsite to support in-person discussions, meetings, on a regular basis (2-3 days a week)
  • Be on call with the ability to support virtual meetings across various timezones
  • Be able to travel up to 15% to various Iridium/partner sites
  • Be a US Citizen
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.Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Iridium Communications