Director of Enterprise Architecture and Applications

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:

Are you a senior technology leader with deep experience in enterprise architecture, applications, and technology transformation? Iridium is looking for a Director of Enterprise Architecture and Applications to help shape and execute our technology strategy. In this role, you will translate business priorities into clear target-state architecture, platforms, and roadmaps, while building the standards and governance to support it. You’ll lead the Applications team and own the applications portfolio end-to-end, from strategy and selection through integration, modernization, and ongoing lifecycle management.

We need someone who is both strategic and hands-on. Someone who can influence across the organization, dive into complex technical decisions, and drive simplification and modernization. If you’re excited by the chance to shape the technology foundation of a global satellite communications company and to bring vision and execution together, then we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Define the enterprise architecture vision and roadmap, including platforms, services, standards, integration patterns, and technology selections.
• Connect business strategy to technology decisions, working closely with business leaders, project teams, developers, infrastructure, security, and operations.
• Establish and enforce architecture standards and governance, while still being pragmatic enough to help teams get things done.
• Own the enterprise applications portfolio, including application selection, implementation, integration, modernization, lifecycle management, and ongoing enhancement.
• Lead and develop the Applications team, setting priorities, coaching people, managing performance, and building stronger technical capability.
• Drive modernization and simplification, eliminating unnecessary complexity, improving processes, reducing technical debt, and improving the user experience.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership when needed not just produce architecture diagrams, but help design solutions and resolve difficult technical decisions.
• Lead major application initiatives with accountability for execution, risk, schedule, and business outcomes.
• Manage strategic vendors, including product direction, performance, contracts, and commercial relationships.
• Collaborate with business leaders and end-users to grasp requirements, address concerns, and synchronize tech solutions with operational needs.
• Manage CapEx and OpEx responsibly, ensuring investments align with priorities and deliver value.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in enterprise architecture, solution architecture, cloud architecture, or a related technology leadership role.
• Experience with major enterprise and cloud platforms, including ServiceNow, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, and AWS.
• Broad understanding of software development, testing methodologies, change management, and configuration management across both on-premises and cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture fundamentals, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
• Knowledge of data protection, security, and compliance requirements for cloud-hosted applications.
• Experience with automated deployment, continuous integration, release management, and DevOps practices.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure automation and modern application delivery tools.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects in Agile environments, including planning, execution, risk management, and resource management.
• Strong understanding of DevOps strategy, practices, and solution delivery.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead discussions, explain complex topics, and respond effectively in challenging situations.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with business and technology leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to build consensus, influence decisions, and drive collaboration across multiple departments.
• Strong judgment, decisiveness, and the ability to work through complex or ambiguous situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high standard of quality.
• Proactive approach to learning, staying current with emerging technologies, and sharing knowledge across the organization.

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

• Open Group Architecture Framework – TOGAF

We’ll also need you to:

• Be on call (approximately 10%)
• Be able to travel up to 25%, including internationally
• Be able to work a hybrid schedule that includes at least 4 days in office
• US Citizenship 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: $200,000 - $260,000

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.