Job Description

Kepler is on a Mission to bring the internet to space. Incorporated in 2015, Kepler’s guiding star is to enable the space economy through the creation of a communication network in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that will provide connectivity services to other space missions, be they on orbit in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond. With an expanding base of early customers and our first 19 satellites in orbit, Kepler is continuing to grow and expand its most important asset – the Team! Based out of our HQ in Toronto and with an office in the UK and a newly formed office in the US we are building towards a truly global company delivering a product for the whole world.

The Chief Engineer will be essential for the execution of the ÆTHER program/service delivery, responsible for technical leadership, problem resolution, support of engineering processes, and also be responsible for technical leadership and guidance to the program’s multi-disciplinary IPT teams to balance the agility and budget of the program while not sacrificing quality. This role sets the tone for the engineering team, plays a pivotal part in shaping the culture, and solves the important and urgent issues.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the rapid and iterative analysis, design, development, testing, and production of Kepler’s ÆTHER program by working with the multi-disciplinary engineering team and IPT leads.
• Oversee the design and testing of all spacecraft systems including Mechanical, Electrical, Communications, Flight Control (Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) and Propulsion), Command & Data Handling, and Flight Software, Network.
• Work across Systems and the Chief Architect to conduct system trades to maximize capability and performance given fixed cost and schedule, then turn the outcome of the trades into actions and/or design changes as necessary (i.e. follow through with the communication and implementation).
• Work closely with the Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Software, and Systems teams at the company, you will ensure that the payload, network, attitude control, thermal, power, link budget, and structural analyses performed are adequate to meet mission objectives.
• Ensuring adequate integration and functional/performance/environment testing is performed on critical hardware systems such as spacecraft mechanical, structural, and electrical subsystems.
• Owning the technical risk and opportunity register in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Help shape the culture and operational philosophy of our engineering teams, [prioritize quality and agility in execution, promote the “can do” attitude (i.e., motivating teams of engineers) and be a champion of “smart failures” (i.e., run experiments, try things out).

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics with emphasis on communications or communications-related specialities.
• At least 15 years of advanced engineering innovation experience.
• Must have excellent innovation and “out-of-the-box” thinking skills.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with the entire system development lifecycle and systems engineering best practices, including agile systems and software engineering.
• Must be able to quickly develop subject matter expertise in a specific project.
• Demonstrated technical lead and/or project management experience.
• Demonstrated breadth and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines.
• Broad understanding of the spacecraft component supply chain and broad network of vendor relationships across the supply chain.
• Must be fluent in Windows and have experience working with Linux operating systems.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to make quick decisions.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills with suppliers and customers.

Bonus Points:

• Previous experience as a Chief Engineer.
• In-depth knowledge of satellite communication systems or space engineering.
• Understanding of Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) or optical engineering.
• Familiarity with programming and software development.

Kepler Communications Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBT and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.