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.
As a Staff Program Manager at Kepler, you will spearhead the end-to-end development and execution of mission-critical satellite systems programs from initial concept through on-orbit commissioning and operational success. You will shape and drive strategic initiatives that expand global partnerships and accelerate our growth in the space sector. In this leadership role, you will guide cross-functional teams to advance and optimize our satellite systems, delivering innovative solutions that push the boundaries of space technology.
In this role, you will serve as a key leader, collaborating closely with our Engineering and Operations teams to ensure the successful, on-time, and on-budget execution of critical programs, from initial kickoff through operational handover. Beyond program execution, you will have the opportunity to contribute to proposal efforts, shaping initiatives related to flight software development, satellite commissioning, or on-orbit operations.
This position is ideal for candidates who combine strong business acumen with good technical expertise across multiple aerospace engineering disciplines. You should have a proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings a demonstrated track record of managing P&L for complex, high-impact programs and driving results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end program management for space systems development and production, delivering on schedule, within budget, and to contractual and technical requirements
- Serve as the primary interface with customers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution
- Own and manage all aspects of program scope, schedule, cost, and risk throughout the full program lifecycle
- Plan and facilitate key programmatic and technical reviews, including design, qualification, and production milestones
- Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, key performance metrics, and regular status reports
- Drive accountability across teams by making informed decisions on scope and performance specifications, while providing clear, data-driven recommendations to business leadership
- Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations and business development to ensure program alignment and execution
- Provide leadership to program managers during the execution of a major program while coaching and developing their skills
- Monitor and report on program health using Earned Value Metrics (EVM)
- Collaborate closely with peer Program Managers, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineering team to maintain cohesive strategy and consistent messaging
- Proactively identify execution barriers and critical risks, develop mitigation plans with relevant teams, and escalate issues when necessary
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
- Maintain strong communication with department leads to surface top risks, key milestones, and ensure accountability for functional deliverables
- Assist in optimizing program management processes and execution frameworks to improve operational efficiency
- Present program status and performance insights to internal and external stakeholders using the most effective forums and communication channels
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- 9+ years of experience in the aerospace or other electronic systems development industries, with 7+ years in a program management role
- Proven experience in overseeing system development, from design to qualification and integration
- Strong understanding and practical use of integrated master schedules (IMS) and earned value management (EVM) techniques to track, control, and report on program execution
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks to ensure successful program delivery
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical and programmatic information
- Experience in supporting contract negotiations with major space agencies such as CSA, ESA, NASA, or JAX
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Proven success in managing cross-functional teams, program budgets, and schedules to drive programs to successful completion
- Proven ability to effectively interface with customers and suppliers and develop long-term strategic partnerships
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across technical and non-technical teams
- Driven, adaptable, and consistently committed to surpassing goals
Bonus Points:
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- Previous experience in technical leadership position
- Experience with systems engineering processes and optical systems
- PMP certification
- Satellite subsystems or scientific instruments for space
Salary Range: $142,960- 192,960 CAD
Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
Job Type: This is for a current vacancy
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
- 9+ years of experience in aerospace or electronic systems development industries, with 7+ years in a program management role
- Proven experience overseeing system development from design to qualification and integration
- Strong understanding and practical use of integrated master schedules (IMS) and earned value management (EVM) techniques
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Experience supporting contract negotiations with major space agencies (CSA, ESA, NASA, or JAX)
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proven success managing cross-functional teams, program budgets, and schedules
- Proven ability to interface with customers and suppliers and develop long-term strategic partnerships
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus
- Driven, adaptable, and consistently committed to surpassing goals
- Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
- Previous experience in a technical leadership position
- Experience with systems engineering processes and optical systems
- PMP certification
- Experience with satellite subsystems or scientific instruments for space
What We Do
Kepler designs, builds, launches, and operates an advanced network of low earth orbit satellites with the ultimate goal of bringing internet to outer space. Today, Kepler serves the needs of earth by connecting machines all around the world using its satellites on orbit and other complementary networks. Through a host of compatible partner equipment we make it easy to use satellite communications in your solution and route data over the best networks.
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