Principal Engineer - Satellite Systems

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Kepler Communications seeks a Principal Engineer - Satellite Systems to serve as a cross-project senior technical authority over satellite and space missions. Reporting to the Senior Director, this non-line management role provides independent technical oversight across programs, with mandatory monthly on-site work at the Toronto HQ. Candidates should bring 15+ years in satellite systems engineering, end-to-end mission experience, and proven ability to influence across concurrent efforts in both institutional and startup settings. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight independent technical judgment, systems thinking, and SRR through CDR reviews, plus examples translating strategy into executable designs and mentoring others. Mention relocation readiness and a track record of clear leadership-level communication.

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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 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 Principal Engineer - Satellite Systems, you will serve as a senior technical authority across Kepler’s 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 Kepler’s 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 is remote, it will require monthly on-site work at Kepler's 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 teams remain on a sound and executable path
• Support anomaly investigations and technical issue resolution when senior judgment is required
Strategy to Execution Support:
• Translate Kepler’s 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 assessments clearly to leadership and non-technical stakeholders
• Balance institutional engineering discipline with startup agility and pragmatism

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s 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 in both 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 RecruitmentAt 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 [email protected], and we will work with you to meet your needs.