About the Role
Kepler Communications is seeking a Program Manager to lead the development and execution of mission-critical satellite systems. This role involves driving strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, orchestrating on-orbit demonstrations, and advancing spacecraft platforms. The ideal candidate will have technical depth in aerospace engineering and strong program management acumen, with a proven ability to lead teams and build stakeholder relationships.
Responsibilities
- Own and manage all aspects of program scope, schedule, cost, and risk throughout the full program lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary interface with hosted payload customers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution.
- Plan and facilitate key programmatic and technical reviews, including design, qualification, and production milestones.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, key performance metrics, and regular status reports.
- Drive accountability across teams by making informed decisions on scope changes and performance specifications, while providing clear, data-driven recommendations to business leadership.
- Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations and business development to ensure program alignment and execution.
- Monitor and report on program health using key performance indicators such as Schedule Performance Index (SPI), Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Estimate at Completion (EAC).
- Collaborate closely with the Program Director, peer Program Managers, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineering team to maintain cohesive strategy and consistent messaging.
- Proactively identify execution barriers and critical risks, develop mitigation plans with relevant teams, and escalate issues when necessary.
- Maintain strong communication with department leads to surface top risks, key milestones, and ensure accountability for functional deliverables.
- Present program status and performance insights to internal and external stakeholders using the most effective forums and communication channels.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in the aerospace or other high-reliability industries, with at least 4 years in a program management role.
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Knowledge of satellite development life cycle - proven experience in overseeing system development, from design to qualification and integration.
- Strong understanding and practical use of integrated master schedules (IMS) and earned value management (EVM) techniques to track, control, and report on program execution.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks to ensure successful program delivery.
- Familiarity with Agile development practices and experience integrating Agile methodologies into hardware-focused program execution.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical and programmatic information.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Proven success in managing cross-functional teams, program budgets, and schedules to drive programs to successful completion.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across technical and non-technical teams.
Skills
- Aerospace engineering
- Program management
- Satellite development life cycle
- Integrated master schedules (IMS)
- Earned value management (EVM)
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Agile development practices
- Technical communication
- Organizational skills
- Cross-functional team management
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Optical communications
- Electronics development
- Flight software development
- GNC/AOCS subsystem development
Location
- Toronto
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 7+ years of experience
- 4+ years in a program management role
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
Salary/Compensations
- $131,911 - $181,911 CAD
Benefits
- Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
- Unlimited vacation
- Supportive parental leave policy
- Company-wide holiday shutdown
- Semi-annual company-wide parties
- Frequent in-office team events
- Relocation packages available for approved roles
- $1,500 annual professional development fund
- Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances
- Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events
About the Company
- Kepler Communications is leading the future of on-demand space connectivity, providing real-time Internet access for space-based assets.
- Our mission is to enable a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation.
- We operate the first commercial optical data relay constellation with 33 satellites launched to date.
- We support advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.
- We are a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row.
Equal Opportunity
- 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 accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
