Software Architect, User Terminals

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

The Software Architect - User Terminals will define and lead the software architecture for Telesat military and government satellite communication terminal solutions. The role provides technical leadership across programs, ensuring software designs meet system, security, operational, and long-term product requirements.

Main Responsibilities

Define and maintain software architecture for military User Terminal products and programs. Lead architectural trade studies and technology evaluations. Collaborate with Systems Engineering to derive software architectures from system requirements. Ensure software designs meet reliability, resiliency, and cybersecurity requirements. Define interfaces between embedded software, networking components, modems, and external systems. Serve as software technical authority during customer engagements and design reviews. Guide development teams on architecture implementation and best practices. Support proposals, demonstrations, and technical reviews. Support integration, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis. Mentor software engineers and technical leads.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master's degree considered an asset.
• 10+ years of software engineering experience with increasing technical leadership responsibility.
• Experience defining and leading architectures for SATCOM, wireless communications, networking, defense, aerospace, or telecommunications systems.
• Experience working on government, military, defense, or security-sensitive programs is highly desirable.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of software architecture principles and design methodologies.
• Experience architecting distributed, embedded, and real-time software systems.
• Strong knowledge and experience with SATCOM, wireless communications systems, modem technologies, RF systems, and IP-based communications.
• Experience with User Terminal, gateway, modem, antenna control, networking, or telecommunications systems.
• Understanding of military communications concepts, tactical networking, and mission-critical systems.
• Experience programming in C, C++, and Python.
• Knowledge of Linux-based embedded systems and operating system fundamentals.
• Strong understanding of routing, switching, VPNs, QoS, multicast, and secure communications.
• Experience with virtualization, containerization, and cloud technologies.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure software development practices.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Decision Making and Supervision

• Provides architectural direction across military User Terminal programs. No direct reports, but significant technical leadership and mentoring responsibilities.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work environment. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.