Lead (Chief) Satellite Systems Engineer

About Kepler Communications
At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!Our mission is to provide real‑time internet access for space‑based assets, enabling a new era of data‑driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real‑time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on‑orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.Industry‑leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem‑solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy – this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!What We Offer
Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our successComprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance, including dependentsUnlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company‑wide holiday shutdownSemi‑annual company‑wide parties and frequent in‑office team eventsRelocation packages available for approved roles$1,500 annual professional development fundFully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and top‑notch kitchen appliancesTown halls, celebration calls, and company‑wide events to stay connected and engagedWe’re a certified Great Place to Work, five years in a rowPosition Status:
Contingent Upon Program AwardLead Satellite Systems Engineer
As a Lead Satellite Systems Engineer, you will serve as a primary technical authority for satellite and space‑system development programs, ensuring the integrity of system design, integration, verification, and mission readiness from concept through delivery. You will translate program objectives into executable technical plans, aligning requirements, architecture, interfaces, trade studies, verification evidence, and risk decisions across a large cross‑functional team.The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience delivering through at least one satellite‑level program lifecycle. Experience with constellation‑level architectures, multi‑satellite delivery, or cross‑program technical execution is a strong asset. This role requires strong systems engineering judgment, the ability to lead through ambiguity, and the communication discipline to align teams and stakeholders while balancing technical integrity with cost, schedule, risk, mission assurance, and customer expectations.This position is intended for a technical leader who can operate with credibility across engineering, program management, product assurance, suppliers, customers, and senior leadership. T1/T2 expectations emphasize ownership of technical outcomes, disciplined integration, requirements alignment, decision closure, readiness evidence, and system‑wide integration readiness across multiple subsystems.Key Responsibilities
Be the lead systems engineering authority for a satellite program or major technical scope, ensuring the integrity of system design, integration, verification, and mission readinessTranslate mission objectives and program constraints into clear technical direction across architecture, requirements, interfaces, trade studies, verification planning, readiness evidence, and technical risk closureLead system‑level design and integration across spacecraft subsystems, connecting subsystem decisions to whole‑system performance, operations, reliability, customer commitments, and lifecycle needsPartner with program management, product assurance, subsystem teams, suppliers, customers, and leadership to align technical execution, manage expectations, and close decisionsLead technical reviews, trade studies, anomaly investigations, readiness milestones, and decision forums with clear recommendations and disciplined follow‑throughManage technical risks and uncertainty by structuring ambiguous problems, clarifying assumptions, defining decision points, and maintaining clear escalation pathsRepresent the technical team in program reviews, customer briefings, supplier discussions, and leadership updates through clear writing, presentations, and decision rationaleMentor engineers and technical leads while improving systems engineering, integration, verification, and review practices to increase predictability and support mission successRequired Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field10+ years of experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft development, satellite systems integration, or a related technical leadership roleDemonstrated experience delivering through at least one satellite‑level program lifecycle, including architecture, design, integration, verification, launch readiness, customer delivery, or mission operations phasesStrong working knowledge of satellite systems engineering, including requirements management, system architecture, interface definition, verification planning, integration, technical budgets, risk management, and mission readinessExperience leading major technical reviews or readiness milestones such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR/MRB, FRR, or equivalent program reviewsDemonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI‑assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practicesFamiliarity with systems engineering standards and disciplined technical governance practices, including configuration management, discrepancy review, engineering change control, and verification evidence managementProven ability to lead cross‑functional engineering teams through uncertainty, changing priorities, and high‑pressure program milestonesStrong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to align engineering, program management, product assurance, customers, suppliers, and leadership around technical decisions and program outcomesExcellent technical writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear impacts, options, recommendations, and decision rationaleStrong decision‑making, problem‑solving, and risk management skillsStrong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain technical rigor while operating in a fast‑paced program environmentFlexible, proactive, adaptable, and results‑oriented, with a practical “can‑do” approachBonus Points
Experience with constellation‑level systems, multi‑satellite programs, portfolio‑level technical execution, or scalable satellite architecturesDevelopment or technical leadership experience in one or more spacecraft subsystem areas, preferably software, communications/RF, avionics, payloads, or other mission‑critical satellite systemsExperience using subsystem development knowledge to guide IPTs, provide credible recommendations, and connect subsystem‑level decisions to whole‑system outcomesExperience with FMECA, FDIR design or development, reliability engineering, fault management, or mission assurance practicesGood working knowledge of orbit analysis, constellation configurations, RF link analysis, system budgets, operations, ground segment, space environment, and satellite mechanical and electrical architecturesGood knowledge of a range of satellite applications, such as Earth observation, communications, navigation, science, or related mission domainsExperience with payload development, integration, customer delivery, technical management, operations, or mission application understanding, including optical, SAR, SIGINT, communications, or other mission payloadsExperience applying AI‑enabled tools or automation to improve systems engineering workflows, including design iteration, technical reviews, documentation, trade studies, and decision tracking, while maintaining engineering rigor and human oversightEmployment Equity & Accommodation Statement
Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at View email address on ca.hrm.tc, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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