Principal Product Owner, Network Management

Principal Product Owner For Bumblebee Program

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
• 57 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 operations.
• Knowledge of modern DevSecOps practices and agile frameworks applied to complex aerospace or defense systems.

We'll also need you to:

• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be a U.S. 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.

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.