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!

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to define the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs. This role combines subsystem architecture, mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, hardware development, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver scalable spacecraft solutions that enable Kepler's next generation of products. The successful candidate will remain deeply engaged in solving the organization's most challenging mechanical engineering problems while guiding subsystem owners, systems engineering, manufacturing, and technical specialists to establish robust, reusable, and manufacturable designs. The ideal candidate thrives in environments where performance, mass, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and cost must all be balanced across multiple programs. They combine deep technical expertise with strong systems thinking and influence engineering decisions through technical leadership, engineering judgment, and mentorship rather than organizational authority. This role is an opportunity to shape the mechanical architectures, engineering methodologies, and technical capability that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Technical Direction Own the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs. Personally lead the mechanical development of the organization's most technically challenging spacecraft subsystems, hardware integrations, and multidisciplinary engineering problems. Define mechanical design approaches that balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, scalability, schedule, and cost across multiple programs. Lead complex technical trade studies using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment. Guide subsystem owners through critical design decisions, technical risk reduction, and verification planning. Drive subsystem architectures that maximize reuse across programs, manufacturability, maintainability, and long-term platform evolution Resolve the organization's most challenging mechanical engineering problems by balancing technical risk, program constraints, and long-term platform objectives.

Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction

Define verification strategies and engineering approaches for complex spacecraft mechanical systems. Perform and guide structural and thermal analyses supporting subsystem development and qualification. Lead the resolution of high-complexity multidisciplinary technical challenges. Review analytical models, test plans, qualification strategies, and engineering evidence supporting flight readiness. Drive continuous improvement of engineering confidence through analysis, testing, and model correlation.

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership

Partner closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions. Provide technical leadership during design reviews, architecture reviews, and major engineering decision points. Influence cross-functional engineering decisions through technical expertise, clear communication, and systems thinking. Lead integration of customer payloads and complex spacecraft interfaces by balancing structural, thermal, manufacturing, and operational considerations. Build and maintain strong technical relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners to accelerate development, influence design solutions, and advance manufacturing capabilities.

Engineering Excellence

Establish engineering best practices, reusable design approaches, and mechanical development methodologies. Develop reusable subsystem architectures and reference designs that accelerate development across future spacecraft programs. Mentor mechanical engineers while developing technical depth, engineering judgment, and subsystem ownership throughout the organization. Raise the technical standard of the mechanical engineering organization through technical leadership, peer review, coaching, and continuous improvement. Champion a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent. Typically 7+ years of experience developing increasingly complex mechanical systems from concept through qualification. Demonstrated experience leading the technical development of major spacecraft, aerospace, or complex hardware subsystems. Deep understanding of mechanical design, structural mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, hardware integration, and verification. Experience performing and reviewing structural and thermal analyses supported by simulation and physical testing. Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent. Strong understanding of design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, qualification, and production. Demonstrated ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering teams through technical leadership. Strong communication and documentation skills working across complex engineering organizations.

Bonus Points

Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, aerospace, or other mission-critical hardware. Experience defining subsystem architectures across multiple spacecraft programs. Experience supporting hosted payload integration and spacecraft interface development. Experience with Simcenter 3D, Simcenter/NX NASTRAN, Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, or equivalent engineering tools. Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace structural, thermal, and design standards. Demonstrated experience establishing engineering standards, design methodologies, or reusable hardware architectures. Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction.

Salary Range: $150,662 - $175,662 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

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. At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.