Director, Lightspeed Program Delivery (LS135)

Telesat; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Telesat in Ottawa seeks a Director to drive the Lightspeed program, overseeing planning, execution and delivery within cost and schedule. You will coordinate across systems engineering, network, software and operations to meet business objectives.

The role requires 20+ years in engineering with hardware/software experience, 5+ years in program management, and strong leadership of both direct and dotted-line teams. International travel may be required. Security clearance is a consideration.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in engineering development involving hardware and software.
• 5+ years as a project manager with strong program management principles.
• Experience with Jira and scheduling tools.
• Excellent communication with engineers, stakeholders and senior management.
• Ability to lead direct and dotted-line reports and cross-functional teams.
• Experience in agile and waterfall environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of the Lightspeed program.
• Direct cross-functional teams spanning systems engineering, network engineering, user equipment, software development, integration, operations, and customer support.
• Manage program scope, budget, schedule, risks, and performance to meet objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end communications capabilities deployment, including network and operations.
• Establish and improve governance, technical reviews, and performance reporting processes.
• Build relationships with lenders, industry partners, internal organizations, and suppliers.
• Support capture activities, proposals, strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Lead and mentor program management personnel while driving improvement and best practices.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering; MBA preferable

Tools

Jira

Scheduling tools

Job description

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com

The Director, Telesat Lightspeed Program Delivery, reporting to the Vice President, Program Delivery, will drive the day-to-day execution of the Lightspeed program within cost, schedule, and performance objectives. They will engage across the organization with System Engineering, System Development, System Operations, Satellite, Launch, Satellite Operations, Network Operations, IT Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and the Commercial team to accomplish this. The Director will manage a team of project managers, both direct reports and dotted-line reporting, providing team strategies for meeting company objectives, team motivation, guidance, career development, and mentorship.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of the Lightspeed program
• Direct cross-functional teams spanning systems engineering, network engineering, user equipment, software development, integration, operations, and customer support
• Manage program scope, budget, schedule, risks, and performance to achieve business and customer objectives
• Oversee development and deployment of end-to-end communications capabilities, including network infrastructure, operational systems, and user terminals
• Establish and improve program governance, technical reviews, and performance reporting processes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders, industry partners, internal organizations, and suppliers.
• Support capture activities, proposals, strategic planning, and business growth initiatives
• Lead and mentor program management personnel while driving continuous improvement and program management best practices

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration preferable
• At least 20 years’ experience in engineering development involving both hardware and software, preferably working in communications or satellites
• At least 5 years’ experience as a project manager with strong understanding of overall program management principles
• Demonstrated skills in managing direct and dotted line employees
• Ability to assess technical status and issues in hardware and software in both agile and waterfall development environments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in dealing with engineers, internal and external stakeholders, senior management and staff
• Ability to convey status and issues clearly, concisely and accurately
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical individuals
• Strong organizational skills
• Significant skill in influence management to help broker solutions across organizations
• A team player, collaborative and independently driven
• Must demonstrate a flexible, open-minded attitude and have strong interpersonal skills
• Experience managing projects with Jira
• Strong understanding of scheduling tools and methodology

Decision Making and Supervision

• In this role, the individual will wield substantial influence over the trajectory of the Telesat LightSpeed program. They will be responsible for talent acquisition, fostering a constructive work atmosphere, and leveraging their extensive expertise to inform recommendations and decisions.
• This position entails overseeing both direct and matrixed reports
• Occasional travel, including international travel is anticipated

Candidate must be able to obtain relevant security clearance

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.