Principal Engineer – Satellite Systems

Role Overview

• Act as an independent technical authority across satellite missions and development efforts
• Review and validate system architectures, requirements baselines, and major technical decisions
• Ensure consistency and technical rigor across projects
• Identify systemic technical risks and recurring challenges across ongoing work
• Serve as a reviewer for major lifecycle milestones such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR
• Critically assess design outputs, trade studies, and verification approaches produced by engineering teams
• Provide clear, actionable technical feedback to ensure teams remain on a sound and executable path
• Support anomaly investigations and technical issue resolution when senior judgment is required
• Translate Kepler’s satellite systems strategy into clear technical expectations and engineering guardrails
• Support early-phase mission definition, concept development, and proposal activities
• Help teams convert high-level mission goals into executable and technically robust system designs
• Advise leadership on technical readiness, maturity, and risk across ongoing and proposed efforts
• Mentor systems engineers, architects, and technical leads through guidance, review, and coaching
• Act as a trusted escalation point for complex system-level technical questions
• Promote disciplined systems engineering practices and strong technical judgment across teams
• Influence technical culture through expertise and example rather than formal authority
• Support technical discussions with customers, partners, and agencies as a senior subject matter expert
• Contribute to institutional programs by ensuring compliance, rigor, and mission assurance expectations
• Communicate complex technical assessments clearly to leadership and non-technical stakeholders
• Balance institutional engineering discipline with startup agility and pragmatism

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in satellite systems engineering and space mission development
• Demonstrated end-to-end space mission experience (concept through launch and operations)
• Deep understanding of satellite system architecture, integration, requirements, and verification
• Proven ability to operate as a senior technical authority across multiple concurrent efforts
• Experience working in both institutional program environments and fast-moving commercial or startup contexts
• Strong technical judgment and ability to influence without direct authority

Benefits

• 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!