Program Chief Engineer
quindar
Program Chief Engineer
kepler· Systems
About this role
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 on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence 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®, seven years in a row!
As the Program Chief Engineer, you are the senior technical authority for the spacecraft program and the single point of technical accountability for mission success. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Satellite Systems, you provide technical leadership across all engineering disciplines to ensure the spacecraft is designed, built, verified, and operated as an integrated system. You establish the technical direction, drive engineering execution, make timely decisions, conduct rigorous technical reviews, and communicate effectively with engineering teams, executive leadership, customers, and suppliers.
The Chief Engineer is accountable for the overall technical success of the mission. You are responsible for maintaining technical integrity, driving engineering progress, ensuring design maturity, balancing performance, reliability, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and mission risk, and delivering flight-ready spacecraft that enable successful mission execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Please note: Though this role provides a Hybrid flexibility, it will require an on-site work presence at Kepler's Toronto HQ
- Provide technical leadership across Systems, Software, Electrical, Mechanical, RF, GNC, Payload, AIT, Manufacturing, Operations, and Product Assurance
- Drive engineering convergence toward a technically coherent spacecraft
- Ensure engineering activities remain aligned with mission objectives
- Drive engineering progress and maintain technical momentum
- Identify and remove technical roadblocks
- Ensure timely technical decision-making and accountability across engineering disciplines
- Lead rigorous technical reviews across all spacecraft subsystems
- Challenge assumptions, analyses, margins, interfaces, and verification evidence
- Lead design reviews, anomaly reviews, and readiness reviews
- Make timely, evidence-based technical decisions
- Balance performance, cost, schedule, manufacturability, reliability, and mission risk
- Remove technical barriers or blockers to maintain engineering momentum
- Communicate technical direction clearly and consistently across the engineering organization
- Translate complex technical issues into concise recommendations for executive leadership
- Represent Engineering during customer reviews, supplier meetings, executive briefings, and governance boards
- Ensure decisions, assumptions, risks, and actions are clearly documented and communicated
- Build alignment across Engineering, Program Management, Product Assurance, Manufacturing, Operations, and executive leadership
- Mentor senior engineers and future technical leaders
- Continuously raise the standard of technical rigor, engineering reviews, and engineering excellence
- Drive continuous improvement, platform standardization, and lessons learned
Technical Leadership:
Engineering Execution:
Design Reviews & Technical Oversight:
Decision Making:
Communication & Alignment:
Engineering Excellence:
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- 15+ years of experience developing complex spacecraft or aerospace systems
- Experience serving as the technical authority or senior technical leader for at least one spacecraft development program
- Extensive knowledge of spacecraft architecture, integration, verification, manufacturing, qualification, launch, and mission operations
- Exceptional technical judgment, communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills
Bonus Points:
- Chief Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineer, or equivalent technical leadership experience
- Constellation or multi-spacecraft program experience
- Experience across multiple spacecraft disciplines
- Mission assurance, Integration and test campaign, launch campaign, and on-orbit operations experience
- Experience driving engineering standardization and AI-enabled engineering workflows
Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Program Chief Engineer position at kepler?
The salary for this Program Chief Engineer role at kepler is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Program Chief Engineer position at kepler located?
This Program Chief Engineer role at kepler is based in Toronto, Ontario. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Program Chief Engineer role at kepler full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time Regular position. It is posted as a Program Chief Engineer role in the Systems department at kepler.
Which team or department does the Program Chief Engineer at kepler belong to?
This Program Chief Engineer position is part of the Systems department at kepler. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Program Chief Engineer position at kepler?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to kepler's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Program Chief Engineer job at kepler posted?
This Program Chief Engineer position at kepler was posted on Aug 14, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Program Chief Engineer
kepler
You'll be redirected to kepler's official application page on Lever.