Communications Systems Engineer Network Operations - Engineering Canadian Sales Engineering Ottawa, Ontario

Telesat; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Telesat is seeking a Communication Systems Engineer to design, cost, implement, and support advanced satellite and terrestrial communication solutions in response to customer requirements and internal projects. The role spans RF and IP networking, leveraging Telesat's GEO fleet and Lightspeed LEO constellation, combining systems engineering, customer engagement, and field deployment.

The engineer will lead evaluations, sizing, and integration with enterprise WANs, performing RF link budgets,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science with emphasis on Telecommunications.
• Experience with GEO satellite systems.
• Familiarity with LEO satellite systems.
• Experience with TCP/IP networking for Telco and Enterprise services (MPLS, Layer-2).
• Proficiency in English; French would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Review customer project requirements, design, cost, and present proposals for GEO and Lightspeed systems; participate in technical meetings.
• Validate system requirements, implementation plans, upgrade plans, and network performance with customers.
• Perform link budget calculations to size RF components (antennas, BUCs, HPAs, LNBs, user terminals).
• Implement satellite solutions and integrate satellite networks into enterprise WANs and carrier infrastructures.
• Provide ongoing third-level support of RF and network systems.
• Configure and implement satellite network equipment and standard networking devices with routing, security, and QoS features.

Skills

GEO satellite systems

LEO satellite systems

IP networking

Network design & optimization

RF systems & components

Project leadership

Vendor negotiations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science with emphasis on Telecommunications

Tools

VSATs

SCPC

Hub-based systems

MEF standards

Job description

As part of the Canadian Sales Engineering team, the Communication Systems Engineer is responsible for end-to-end design, costing, implementation, and ongoing support of advanced satellite and terrestrial communication solutions in response to customer requirements and internal projects.

The successful candidate will develop integrated satellite RF and IP networking solutions utilizing both Telesat's geostationary satellite fleet and the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. The role combines systems engineering, customer engagement, solution architecture, and field implementation to deliver reliable, high-performance communications networks.

Main Responsibilities:

• Review customer project requirements, design, cost, and present proposals to customers for both Geostationary and Telesat Lightspeed systems. Attend and actively participate in customer and internal technical meetings.
• Work directly with prospective customers to validate system requirements, implementation plans, upgrade plans, network performance, and resolve service issues.
• Perform link budget analysis calculations to size and select RF components such as antennas, BUCs, HPAs, LNBs, user terminals, and all associated RF components based on system performance requirements.
• Implementation of satellite solutions and integration of satellite networks into enterprise WANs and carrier infrastructures including integrating layer 2 and layer 3 devices into satellite-based solutions to provision customer access across satellite links.
• Ongoing third level support of RF and network systems.
• Configure and implement satellite network equipment and standard networking devices such as switches, routers and firewalls utilizing common routing protocols, security and QOS features in design.
• Write technical specifications and scope of work documents for link and network components for vendors to provide solutions and quotations.
• Review costs and supplier quotations for technical accuracy and fair pricing. Work with procurement team members to negotiate discounts.
• Travel as required to various customer and Telesat owned facilities to implement, test, validate and troubleshoot antenna RF systems for both Geostationary and Telesat Lightspeed systems.
• Provide work instruction and training to teleport staff and field support representatives as required.

Education and Experience required:

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with an emphasis on Telecommunications.
• Experience with GEO satellite systems.
• Familiarity with LEO satellite systems.
• Experience with VSATs, SCPC and hub-based systems.
• Familiarity with TDM/A, DVB-S2/X, Adaptive coding and modulation, satellite modems.
• Familiarity with RF systems and components would be an asset.
• Familiarization and/or certification in MEF standards and implementations is beneficial.
• IP network design, sizing and troubleshooting utilizing standard network protocols and components, along with specialized network equipment designed for use with satellite links.
• TCP/IP networking geared towards Telco and Enterprise services such as MPLS and Layer-2 Ethernet connectivity solutions to complete end to end customer requirements.
• SD-WAN and SDN experience is an asset.
• Strong technical, presentation, interpersonal, written, oral communications skills; the ability to create a project plans and manage a project from start to finish.
• Strong ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience working in high pressure situations, under short timeframes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage contractors and sub-contractors while in the field and working remotely.
• Ability to work with various operating systems (Linux, Windows, etc).
• Proficiency in English is a must, French would be an asset.

Decision Making

• The position requires an individual who is able to take the initiative and make decisions required in implementing system modifications and enhancements. Good analytical and problem-solving skills are necessary to make informed decisions and to implement design changes. This position may require the individual to provide direction to personnel assigned on specific projects
• Propose, develop and recommend creative solutions for advanced satellite network solutions. Select equipment appropriate to the design and cost requirements of the network
• Work through technical issues in the field and make sound decisions to minimize cost impacts yet maintaining schedules

Supervision Exercised

• No direct reporting staff however the position is expected to lead multi-disciplinary project teams and provide technical guidance and keep management team up to date

Working Conditions:

Working conditions are typical office environment, with some ability to work from home. Travel to Telesat, Customer and Vendor locations as required. Overtime and on call as required.

Equipment Used

Microsoft Office suite of software
Engineering simulation and analysis tools
Protocol Analyzers
Copper and fibre optic cable testing equipment
Spectrum Analyzers and Radiation Meters
General hand tools and power tools

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Commitment: Full Time Hire - (FTE with Benefits)

Department: Network Operations - Engineering