Principal Engineer - Satellite Systems

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 HQSenior Technical Authority:Act as an independent technical authority across satellite missions and development effortsReview and validate system architectures, requirements baselines, and major technical decisionsEnsure consistency and technical rigor across projectsIdentify systemic technical risks and recurring challenges across ongoing workTechnical Review & Assurance:Serve as a reviewer for major lifecycle milestones such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRRCritically assess design outputs, trade studies, and verification approaches produced by engineering teamsProvide clear, actionable technical feedback to ensure teams remain on a sound and executable pathSupport anomaly investigations and technical issue resolution when senior judgment is requiredStrategy to Execution Support:Translate Kepler’s satellite systems strategy into clear technical expectations and engineering guardrailsSupport early-phase mission definition, concept development, and proposal activitiesHelp teams convert high-level mission goals into executable and technically robust system designsAdvise leadership on technical readiness, maturity, and risk across ongoing and proposed effortsMentorship & Technical Guidance:Mentor systems engineers, architects, and technical leads through guidance, review, and coachingAct as a trusted escalation point for complex system-level technical questionsPromote disciplined systems engineering practices and strong technical judgment across teamsInfluence technical culture through expertise and example rather than formal authorityCross-Functional & External Engagement:Support technical discussions with customers, partners, and agencies as a senior subject matter expertContribute to institutional programs by ensuring compliance, rigor, and mission assurance expectationsCommunicate complex technical assessments clearly to leadership and non-technical stakeholdersBalance institutional engineering discipline with startup agility and pragmatismRequired Skills & Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field15+ years of experience in satellite systems enginee