Kepler

Senior Satellite Systems Designer - Payload Lead

Toronto, Ontario · Senior · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$126k-$176kDetected 22 days ago

PythonMATLABSystems EngineeringAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringSensorsLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationRemote Sensing

About the role

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.
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.
If you're ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad.

Lead payload systems engineering activities throughout the mission lifecycle, from concept through integration, test, launch, and commissioning.
Define, manage, and verify payload requirements, interfaces, and integration plans.
Review payload documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), verification plans, test procedures, and operational concepts.
Perform mission and systems analysis to assess payload impacts on spacecraft resources, including power, thermal, data handling, pointing, storage, and communications.
Support payload integration, spacecraft-level testing, verification, anomaly resolution, and launch readiness activities in collaboration with AIT and V&V teams.
You will help ensure that payload designs, documentation, test campaigns, and operational concepts integrate safely and effectively into the broader satellite system.

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, payload engineering, mission systems engineering, or a related technical leadership role.
Experience integrating or supporting spaceflight payloads or complex aerospace instrumentation.
Experience defining and managing payload or subsystem requirements, interfaces, and verification activities.
Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystem interactions, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, communications, and operational interfaces.
Strong analytical and systems thinking skills with the ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and resolve complex engineering challenges.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and productivity tools to improve engineering efficiency and innovation.
The ideal candidate has first-hand experience with one or more payload domains such as optical payloads, RF or SIGINT payloads, radar systems, or related mission instrumentation.
Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, or external partners in a technical leadership role.
Experience developing or reviewing engineering documentation such as requirements, ICDs, verification plans, CONOPS, or test procedures.

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience supporting spacecraft integration and test, environmental testing, or flight verification activities.
Experience supporting spacecraft commissioning, LEOP, or mission operations.
Familiarity with mission analysis and modeling tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, or equivalent.
Knowledge of industry systems engineering practices and standards (ECSS, NASA, INCOSE, or equivalent).

The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
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.
$125,622 - 175,622 CAD Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company's discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training.
Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
$1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.

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.
This is for a current vacancy Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement Kepler Communications is an

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.
Industry-leading technology is only part of the story.
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.
Come build the future with Kepler!
Serve as the primary technical interface between customers, payload suppliers, spacecraft engineering teams, and program stakeholders.

Coordinate payload accommodation across mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, RF, and operational interfaces.
If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

This listing is sourced directly from Kepler's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.