Principal Engineer Satellite Systems
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
At Kepler Communications were not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - were leading it!
Our mission is to provide real-time Internet accessforspace-based assets enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and 33 satellites launched to date Kepleroperatesthe first commercial optical data relay constellation enabling real-time continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbitcomputeand 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 ofwhatspossible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives andwerecommitted to creating an environment where you can grow lead and make a global impact.
Ifyoureready 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 compensationwith a robust equity plan to share in our success.
* Comprehensive coverage for health dental and vision insuranceincluding dependents.
* Unlimited vacation supportive parental leave policyand company-wide holiday shutdown.
* Semi-annual company-wide partiesand frequent in-office team events.
* Relocation packagesavailable for approved roles.
* $1500 annual professional development fundto support your growth.
* Fully stocked Toronto office kitchenwith snacks drinks games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
* Town Halls Celebration Calls and Company-wide eventsto stay connected and engaged.
* Were a certifiedGreat Place to Work five years in a row!
As Principal Engineer - Satellite Systems you will serve as a senior technical authority across Keplers satellite and space mission activities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Satellite Systems you will act as a chief engineer by influence providing independent technical oversight guidance and validation across multiple projects rather than being embedded within a single program.
This role is intentionally designed as a cross-project non-line-management position. You will operate as an internal technical customer and reviewer ensuring engineering teams are making sound architectural choices executing against best practices and remaining aligned with Keplers technical strategy and mission objectives.
You will bring deep satellite system expertise and end-to-end mission experience enabling you to challenge assumptions identify risks early and help teams stay on the right technical path as the company grows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Please note: Though this role provides a Hybrid flexibility it will require an on-site work presence at Keplers Toronto HQ
Senior Technical Authority:
- Act as an independent technical authority across satellite missions and development efforts
- Review and validate system architectures requirements baselines and major technical decisions
- Ensure consistency and technical rigor across projects
- Identify systemic technical risks and recurring challenges across ongoing work
Technical Review & Assurance:
- Serve as a reviewer for major lifecycle milestones such as SRR PDR CDR TRR and FRR
- Critically assess design outputs trade studies and verification approaches produced by engineering teams
- Provide clear actionable technical feedback to ensure teamsremain on a sound and executable path
- Support anomaly investigations and technical issue resolution when senior judgment is required
Strategy to Execution Support:
- Translate Keplers satellite systems strategy into clear technical expectations and engineering guardrails
- Support early-phase mission definition concept development and proposal activities
- Help teams convert high-level mission goals into executable and technically robust system designs
- Advise leadership on technical readiness maturity and risk across ongoing and proposed efforts
Mentorship & Technical Guidance:
- Mentor systems engineers architects and technical leads through guidance review and coaching
- Act as a trusted escalation point for complex system-level technical questions
- Promote disciplined systems engineering practices and strong technical judgment across teams
- Influence technical culture through expertise and example rather than formal authority
Cross-Functional & External Engagement:
- Support technical discussions with customers partners and agencies as a senior subject matter expert
- Contribute to institutional programs by ensuring compliance rigor and mission assurance expectations
- Communicate complex technical assessmentsclearly to leadership and non-technical stakeholders
- Balance institutional engineering discipline with startup agility and pragmatism
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related field
- 15 years of experience in satellite systems engineering and space mission development
- Demonstrated end-to-end space mission experience (concept through launch and operations)
- Deep understanding of satellite system architecture integration requirements and verification
- Proven ability to operate as a senior technical authority across multiple concurrent efforts
- Experience working inboth institutional program environments and fast-moving commercial or startup contexts
- Strong technical judgment and ability to influence without direct authority
Bonus Points:
- Independent Technical Judgment: Comfortable reviewing challenging and validating complex designs
- Systems Thinking: Strong ability to assess whole-mission impacts and cross-discipline trade-offs
- Influence-Based Leadership: Builds trust and alignment through expertise rather than hierarchy
- Execution-Focused: Keeps teams oriented toward practical achievable outcomes
- Clear Communicator: Able to translate complex technical issues into clear guidance and decisions
Use of AI in Recruitment
At Kepler Communications all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.
Employment 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 emailprotected and we will work with you to meet your needs.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
The Kepler Network Our SDA-compliant network will improve access to space-generated data by bringing modern Internet connectivity to space in a flexible, hybrid network designed to advance mission communications. Learn More Delivering Data at lightspeed Your PARTNER IN MISSION COMMUN ... View more
