Lead Satellite Systems Engineer

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 on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence 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 success.
• * Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance— including dependents.
• * Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
• * Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
• * Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• * $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• * Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
• * Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.
• * We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row

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 readiness

• Translate mission objectives and program constraints into clear technical direction across architecture, requirements, interfaces, trade studies, verification planning, readiness evidence, and technical risk closure

• Lead system-level design and integration across spacecraft subsystems, connecting subsystem decisions to whole-system performance, operations, reliability, customer commitments, and lifecycle needs

• Partner with Program Management, Product Assurance, subsystem teams, suppliers, customers, and leadership to align technical execution, manage expectations, and close decisions

• Lead technical reviews, trade studies, anomaly investigations, readiness milestones, and decision forums with clear recommendations and disciplined follow-through

• Manage technical risks and uncertainty by structuring ambiguous problems, clarifying assumptions, defining decision points, and maintaining clear escalation paths

• Represent the technical team in program reviews, customer briefings, supplier discussions, and leadership updates through clear writing, presentations, and decision rationale

• Mentor engineers and technical leads while improving systems engineering, integration, verification, and review practices to increase predictability and support mission success

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineeri