Senior Program Manager

About Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications is building the future of on-demand space connectivity by delivering real-time internet access for assets in space. The company has launched 33 satellites and runs the first commercial optical data relay constellation, supporting continuous space communications along with on-orbit computing and hosted payload capabilities.

The organization is driven by a team of inventive, technically strong, and collaborative people who enjoy solving difficult problems and expanding what is possible in space. It values diverse viewpoints and aims to create an environment where people can learn, take ownership, and contribute to meaningful global impact.

This opportunity is for someone who wants to help shape the future of the space economy in a fast-moving, high-impact setting.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end development and delivery of critical satellite programs, from concept and planning through on-orbit validation and operational handover. You will help drive strategic initiatives, strengthen external partnerships, and support the growth of the company’s space business.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver on-orbit demonstrations on Kepler satellites, support technical evolution of the ÆTHER spacecraft platform, work with hosted payload customers, and may contribute to the development and commissioning of the Tranche-2 satellite constellation. You will work closely with Engineering and Operations to keep programs on track for schedule, budget, and scope.

The role may also include support for proposal development tied to satellite systems, software, commissioning, and on-orbit operations opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of program scope, schedule, cost, and risk across the full lifecycle.
• Act as the main point of contact for hosted payload customers, subcontractors, and internal teams to keep everyone aligned.
• Organize and run program and technical reviews, including design, qualification, and production checkpoints.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed program plans, performance metrics, and status reporting.
• Hold teams accountable for scope and performance decisions, and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate work across engineering, operations, and business development to keep execution aligned.
• Track program health using measures such as SPI, CPI, and EAC.
• Work alongside the Program Director, peer Program Managers, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineering team to keep strategy and messaging consistent.
• Spot execution blockers and critical risks early, build mitigation plans, and escalate issues when needed.
• Keep department leads informed on major risks, key milestones, and functional deliverables.
• Present program status and performance updates to both internal and external stakeholders through the right communication channels.

Required Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in aerospace or another high-reliability sector, including 4 or more years in program management.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Solid understanding of the satellite development lifecycle, with experience guiding systems from design through qualification and integration.
• Practical knowledge of integrated master schedules and earned value management methods for planning and reporting.
• Strong ability to identify and reduce technical, schedule, and cost risks.
• Familiarity with Agile ways of working and the ability to apply them in hardware-based program environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for explaining complex technical and program matters clearly.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to handle several priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and keep schedules on track.
• Leadership and interpersonal strength, including the ability to influence stakeholders and build alignment across technical and non-technical groups.

Bonus Qualifications

• Background in technical leadership roles such as IPT lead, project engineer, systems lead, or technical lead.
• Experience or knowledge in optical communications.
• Exposure to electronics development, flight software development, or GNC/AOCS subsystem development.
• PMP certification.

Compensation and Benefits

The posted salary range for this position is CAD 131,911 to CAD 181,911 per year. Final total compensation is set at the company’s discretion and may reflect relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, education, and training.

Benefits and workplace offerings include competitive pay with equity participation, health/dental/vision coverage for employees and dependents, unlimited vacation, parental leave support, a company-wide holiday shutdown, semi-annual company events, frequent in-office gatherings, a relocation package for approved roles, a CAD 1,500 annual professional development budget, and a stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and appliances. The company also hosts Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and other all-company events, and notes that it has been certified as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years.

Additional Information

This is a current vacancy. The employer is committed to equal opportunity hiring and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If accommodation is needed during any stage of the hiring process, candidates can contact the People & Culture team to arrange support. The company also states that human recruiters participate in every stage of hiring, while AI-based tools may assist with initial application review by ranking candidates using job-relevant criteria; these tools support human judgment rather than replace it.