Launch Segment Manager

Summary:

In February 2007, Iridium announced a bold vision called "Iridium NEXT." NEXT will replace the company's current satellite constellation with an even more powerful system -- before Iridium's high quality of service is ever compromised due to constellation age. This new system is currently under development by Iridium system engineers in conjunction with a number of experienced aerospace companies. Specifications are being written, and suppliers are expected to sign up sometime in 2008. Funding for the new system will largely come from the profits of the existing system, with any additional capital raised via public and private concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Launch Segment (LS) Manager will be responsible for the success of all launch activities for Iridium NEXT over the entire project life cycle, and serves as the single Iridium point of contact for all launch-related activities.  This includes working directly with and evaluating several potential Prime contractor's strategies for satellite launch integration, including assessment of the technical and programmatic suitability of a Prime's proposed launch vehicle selections and launch mix, both for initial NEXT satellite constellation population and for long-term replenishment during Operations & Maintenance.   The LS Manager, working closely with his/her Prime contractor counterpart(s), launch provider counterpart(s), and Iridium contracts personnel, will negotiate the statement of work and the terms & conditions for all Iridium launch services contracts.  The LS Manager will ensure that the appropriate launch segment requirements are fully and formally captured in the Iridium NEXT System Specification, as well as properly decomposed and flowed down to lower level specifications as appropriate.  The LS Manager will oversee the launch-related aspects of the Prime's risk management plans and risk mitigation activities in close coordination with Iridium systems engineering technical personnel.  The LS Manager will monitor the Prime Contractor's satellite development activities to ensure physical, functional and environmental compatibility of the satellite design with the selected launch vehicle(s).  The LS Manager will closely monitor the NEXT System Prime and the selected launch suppliers' performance to ensure compliance with program schedules and contractual requirements related to the launch segment of the program.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Requires a 4 year degree in engineering; advanced degree desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in the aerospace industry or equivalent required. Experience should include a combination of project engineering and program management.
• Broad knowledge of satellites and launch vehicles required.
• Direct experience with launch campaign planning, launch services procurement and launch vehicle integration activities across the program lifecycle required.
• Prior assignments overseeing contractors, large program negotiations, and launch contracts experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and control contract financial performance and schedule are required.
• Export control / ITAR experience required.
• Must use solid written and verbal communication skills, including effective presentation skills for technical material.
• Ability to work in a dynamic collaborative team environment, while representing the best interests of Iridium Satellite.
• Launch range safety, and Experience with launch and satellite insurance policies desired.
• PMP certification desired, or a strong understanding of project management principles, practices, tools, techniques, and disciplines.
• Previous constellation project experience a plus.
• This position requires travel ranging from 25% - 75%.

Iridium Satellite LLC supports a drug-free work place and is an equal opportunity employer.