Director, Research & Development, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

 
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit

Are you passionate about breakthrough technologies and eager to shape the future of satellite-based solutions for defence and national security? At Telesat, we’re redefining satellite communications through our cutting-edge Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network, Telesat Lightspeed.

As R&D Director, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions, you will lead the development of advanced, mission-driven satellite capabilities tailored to the evolving needs of Canadian and allied defence users. This includes identifying emerging operational requirements, architecting secure and resilient technical solutions, overseeing prototyping and validation, and driving commercialization of capabilities such as Space Domain Awareness, Alternative PNT, Optical Communications, and more.

This strategic role operates at the intersection of technology, defence policy, and innovation, ensuring Telesat remains a trusted partner in space-based national security. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, a valid Top Secret security clearance is required.

Resource is expected to be working onsite at Telesat HQ, 5 days per week

Main Responsibilities

Lead Mission-Centric engineering development efforts: Drive the full lifecycle of defence-focused satellite solutions from concept development and technical design to testing, validation, and deployment.

Conduct Strategic Defence Research: Analyze trends in defence platforms, operational concepts, and procurement strategies across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. Identify capability gaps and innovation opportunities.

Design and develop technical architecture: Translate mission needs into technically sound, scalable, and secure satellite-enabled solutions in collaboration with Sales, Engineering, and Product teams.

Prototype and Validate Innovations: Work with other engineering teams within Telesat to oversee the development of new capabilities to ensure they meet performance, security, and reliability standards.

Integrate Emerging Technologies: Apply advanced technologies—such as AI/ML, optical links, and secure networking to enhance the Telesat Lightspeed constellation’s defence value proposition.

Align Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Sales (Canada, Global, Government Solutions) and Product to ensure alignment with customer missions and Telesat’s strategic roadmap.

Represent Telesat in Strategic Forums: Act as a technical ambassador at defence industry events, customer engagements, and demonstrations, showcasing Telesat’s leadership in secure satellite communications.

Education & Experience

What You Bring:

Technical Leadership: Proven track record in developing and deploying advanced technical solutions for defence and national security customers. Mission Understanding:  Deep insight into defence operational environments and the ability to anticipate and address evolving mission needs. Innovation Mindset: Passion for leveraging emerging technologies to solve complex challenges creatively and effectively. Strategic Acumen:  Ability to connect technical innovation with business strategy and policy objectives. Clear Communicator:  Skilled in presenting complex concepts to diverse audiences, including military stakeholders and technical teams. Collaborative Approach:  Strong interpersonal skills and experience working across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering (Electrical, Telecommunications, Networking, Computer Science), Physics, or equivalent. 5 to 10+ years of progressive leadership experience managing direct reports 10 + years experience in defence systems, secure communications, or satellite technologies. Expertise in satellite, RF, optical, and associated networking technologies (including OSI Layers 1–3, NTN systems, MEF among others) Experience with high-security environments and classified systems. Demonstrated success in product development and commercialization. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Decision Making and Supervision

• In this role, the incumbent will direct a team of system engineers and will have influence on the system design of the Telesat Lightspeed system

Working Conditions

• Based at Telesat headquarters in Ottawa, ON.
• Regular travel to customer sites and industry events.
• Must be eligible to work in Canada and obtain a Top Secret security clearance.