User Terminal Systems Engineer

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 50 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 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 fleet consists of 15 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

We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite User Terminal System Engineer, Modem Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation satellite user terminals. This role is critical in ensuring the successful integration and development of modem architectures within our satellite communication systems. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of satellite communication technologies, modem design, and system engineering principles, and has acted in the System Engineering capacity with focus on building the right product for the market and interacted with the customers/clients in collaborative approach to find the right solution for their business needs.

• Modem Architecture Design: Oversee the design, development, and optimization We are seeking a highly skilled Satellite User Terminal System Engineer, Modem Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation satellite user terminals. This role is critical in ensuring the successful integration of modem architectures within our satellite communication systems. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of satellite communication technologies, modem design, and system engineering principles of modem architectures for satellite user terminals, ensuring they meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Modem Product Development - Understand the physical layer of the modem technology, and drive the trade-space discussion on Modem Product performance, including networking features, MEF service performance
• System Integration: Work closely with FPGA and RF engineers, software developers, and hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of the modem with other terminal components.
• Signal Processing: Experience with developing and implementation of the advanced signal processing algorithms for modem functionality, including modulation, demodulation, error correction, and data compression.
• Performance Analysis: Conduct performance analysis and test review of modem designs, including link budget analysis, to ensure they meet or exceed system requirements.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure modem designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., DVB-S2, DVB-RCS, 3GPP) and regulatory requirements.
• Prototype Development: Lead the development and testing of prototypes to validate modem designs, identify potential issues, and implement necessary improvements. Good understanding of C++, Linux and Python environment is a plus.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with third-party vendors and or cross-functional teams, including network architects, RF engineers, and product managers, to ensure cohesive system design and functionality.
• Documentation: Produce detailed design documentation, including technical specifications, design guidelines, and test plans.
• Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies in satellite communication and contribute to the continuous improvement and innovation of modem architectures and user terminal systems.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience in satellite communication systems, modem design, FPGA design and signal processing.
• Technical Expertise:  
• Strong knowledge of digital communication systems, including modulation techniques, error correction methods, and RF systems.
• Experience with making tradeoffs between performance and cost and the component and the system level
• Experience with bringing hardware and modems designs through the full life-cycle from inception, design, production and fielding.
• Tools: Proficiency with design and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or similar. Experience with DSP programming is a plus.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

• This role has no direct reports, but will work and interact with multi-disciplinary engineering teams

• This role offers hybrid work environment
• Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office environment
• International travel is required
• The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain a Reliability Clearance

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.