Senior Satellite Systems Designer - Payload Lead

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 accessforspace-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-orbitcomputeand 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 ofwhat’spossible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, andwe’recommitted to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

Ifyou’reready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!

• 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 a Senior Satellite Systems Designer / Engineer focused on Payload Management, you will serve as a key technical leader responsible for coordinating, integrating, and managing payload-related engineering activities across a mission with multiple payload providers. You will act as the primary systems engineering interface between internal teams, external payload suppliers, customers, and satellite bus stakeholders to ensure payload requirements, interfaces, deliverables, test plans, and operational concepts are clearly defined, aligned, and executed.

This role requires strong systems engineering judgment, practical experience with payload-level integration and planning, and the ability to build trusted customer and supplier relationships while guiding external stakeholders toward Kepler’s engineering standards, mission requirements, and verification expectations. You will help ensure that payload designs, documentation, test campaigns, and operational concepts integrate safely and effectively into the broader satellite system.

The ideal candidate has first-hand experience with one or more payload domains such as optical payloads, RF or SIGINT payloads, radar systems, or related mission instrumentation. Success in this role requires the ability to translate payload capabilities and constraints into mission-level scenarios, CONOPS, coverage analysis, test plans, and system budgets including power, thermal, data, and operational timelines.

• Lead payload systems engineering activities throughout the mission lifecycle, from concept through integration, test, launch, and commissioning.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between customers, payload suppliers, spacecraft engineering teams, and program stakeholders.
• Define, manage, and verify payload requirements, interfaces, and integration plans.
• Coordinate payload accommodation across mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, RF, and operational interfaces.
• Review payload documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), verification plans, test procedures, and operational concepts.
• Perform mission and systems analysis to assess payload impacts on spacecraft resources, including power, thermal, data handling, pointing, storage, and communications.
• Support payload integration, spacecraft-level testing, verification, anomaly resolution, and launch readiness activities in collaboration with AIT and V&V teams.
• Identify technical risks, resolve…