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About the Role

Kepler Communications is seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to define the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs. This role involves subsystem architecture, mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, hardware development, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver scalable spacecraft solutions. The ideal candidate will balance performance, mass, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and cost across multiple programs, influencing decisions through technical expertise and mentorship.

Responsibilities

Own the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs.
Lead the mechanical development of the organization's most technically challenging spacecraft subsystems, hardware integrations, and multidisciplinary engineering problems.
Define mechanical design approaches that balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, scalability, schedule, and cost across multiple programs.
Lead complex technical trade studies using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment.
Guide subsystem owners through critical design decisions, technical risk reduction, and verification planning.
Drive subsystem architectures that maximize reuse across programs, manufacturability, maintainability, and long-term platform evolution.
Resolve the organization's most challenging mechanical engineering problems by balancing technical risk, program constraints, and long-term platform objectives.
Define verification strategies and engineering approaches for complex spacecraft mechanical systems.
Perform and guide structural and thermal analyses supporting subsystem development and qualification.
Lead the resolution of high-complexity multidisciplinary technical challenges.
Review analytical models, test plans, qualification strategies, and engineering evidence supporting flight readiness.
Drive continuous improvement of engineering confidence through analysis, testing, and model correlation.
Partner closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions.
Provide technical leadership during design reviews, architecture reviews, and major engineering decision points.
Influence cross-functional engineering decisions through technical expertise, clear communication, and systems thinking.
Lead integration of customer payloads and complex spacecraft interfaces by balancing structural, thermal, manufacturing, and operational considerations.
Build and maintain strong technical relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners to accelerate development, influence design solutions, and advance manufacturing capabilities.
Establish engineering best practices, reusable design approaches, and mechanical development methodologies.
Develop reusable subsystem architectures and reference designs that accelerate development across future spacecraft programs.
Mentor mechanical engineers while developing technical depth, engineering judgment, and subsystem ownership throughout the organization.
Raise the technical standard of the mechanical engineering organization through technical leadership, peer review, coaching, and continuous improvement.
Champion a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent.
Typically 7+ years of experience developing increasingly complex mechanical systems from concept through qualification.
Demonstrated experience leading the technical development of major spacecraft, aerospace, or complex hardware subsystems.
Deep understanding of mechanical design, structural mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, hardware integration, and verification.
Experience performing and reviewing structural and thermal analyses supported by simulation and physical testing.
Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent.
Strong understanding of design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, qualification, and production.
Demonstrated ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering teams through technical leadership.
Strong communication and documentation skills working across complex engineering organizations.
Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, aerospace, or other mission-critical hardware.
Experience defining subsystem architectures across multiple spacecraft programs.
Experience supporting hosted payload integration and spacecraft interface development.
Experience with Simcenter 3D, Simcenter/NX NASTRAN, Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, or equivalent engineering tools.
Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace structural, thermal, and design standards.
Demonstrated experience establishing engineering standards, design methodologies, or reusable hardware architectures.
Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction.

Skills

Mechanical Design
Structural Mechanics
Heat Transfer
Dynamics
Hardware Integration
Verification
Structural Analysis
Thermal Analysis
CAD
Onshape
Creo
SolidWorks
NX
Design for Manufacturing
Design for Assembly
Design for Integration
Design for Qualification
Design for Production
Technical Leadership
Communication
Documentation
Systems Thinking
Spacecraft Development
Satellite Development
Aerospace Hardware Development
Mission-Critical Hardware Development
Subsystem Architecture Definition
Hosted Payload Integration
Spacecraft Interface Development
Simcenter 3D
Simcenter/NX NASTRAN
Simcenter Space Systems Thermal
ESA ECSS Standards
NASA Standards
Aerospace Design Standards
Engineering Standards Establishment
Design Methodologies
Reusable Hardware Architecture Development
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Licensure

Location

Toronto

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Senior
7+ years

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent

Salary/Compensations

$150,662 - $175,662 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.
We support advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.
Our team consists of bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers.
We are committed to creating an environment for growth, leadership, and global impact.
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.