Test Engineer 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:

As a Test Engineer III, you will independently plan and execute verification activities across the software development and operations lifecycle, with an emphasis on end-to-end and integration testing for complex systems. You will design and implement manual and automated test approaches (including AI-assisted techniques where appropriate), drive testing deliverables to completion, and partner with Engineering, Product, and Program stakeholders to assess risk and readiness. You will strengthen quality outcomes by reviewing test artifacts, escalating issues, and continuously improving verification processes based on results and defect trends.

What You’ll Do:

• Participate in requirements and design discussions to define verification scope, risks, and acceptance criteria for assigned initiatives.
• Develop test plans, estimates, and traceability for end-to-end, integration, and user acceptance testing across multiple applications and integration points.
• Design, implement, and maintain manual and automated test cases; leverage AI-assisted tooling to accelerate test design and automation with appropriate validation and review.
• Execute testing in Agile and/or Waterfall environments, accurately tracking progress, results, and defects, and proactively communicating status, risks, and mitigations.
• Serve as a technical escalation point for testing matters, helping remove blockers and coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive timely issue resolution.
• Review and improve test artifacts produced by others (test cases, plans, reports) and coordinate signoff workflows with Product Owners and other stakeholders.
• Monitor verification effectiveness (e.g., defect leakage, root cause analysis) and implement targeted process and tooling improvements to improve quality and efficiency.
• Support deployment and launch activities by creating user-facing documentation, conducting training as needed, and assisting with initial operational readiness.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in software testing/quality engineering, including end-to-end and integration testing for complex applications.
• Demonstrated expertise with the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC), test planning, estimation, traceability, and verification documentation.
• Hands-on experience building and maintaining test automation using modern tools and frameworks (e.g., UI, API, and integration test approaches).
• Experience using AI-assisted tools/models to support test case design and/or automation development (tool usage; not ML model development).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate issues across environments, identify root causes, and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across regions and confidently present status, risks, and quality findings.
• Ability to prioritize, manage upward, and take ownership of testing deliverables, driving work to completion with minimal day-to-day direction.

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

• Experience in the aviation industry and/or safety- or mission-critical software environments.
• Experience leading E2E/UAT testing efforts for systems with multiple integration points and distributed teams.
• Experience with CI/CD integration for automated testing and test reporting dashboards.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor peers and influence adoption of testing best practices (no direct people management required).

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.