Director of Sales and Business Development - Satellite & Government Solutions - Canada

Kepler Communications; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Toronto is seeking a Director of Business Development to spearhead growth in satellite communications within Canadian government sectors. The ideal candidate will possess over 12 years of experience in business development, focusing on secure communications systems. Responsibilities include building executive relationships and navigating complex procurement cycles. This role offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including unlimited vacation and professional development support.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited vacation

Professional development fund

Team events and parties

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in satellite communications or high-technology business development.
• Proven record of success in customer relationship management in government environments.
• Strong understanding of space networks and secure communications systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Canadian business capture and customer engagement strategy.
• Build relationships with Canadian stakeholders.
• Identify revenue-generating opportunities in space communications.
• Navigate procurement cycles for space-based ISR and C4ISR.

Skills

Satellite communications

Business development

Secure communications systems

Customer relationship management

Government sector experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense studies

Job description

Overview

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of connectivity - we're leading it!

Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access in space, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 23 satellites already launched and a next-generation optical network on the way, we’re creating the infrastructure that will power the space economy for decades to come.

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!

Kepler is hiring a Director of Business Development to lead the growth of our satellite communications and space infrastructure solutions across Canadian and allied government sectors. This individual will own customer relationships and strategic capture activities with defense and government organizations looking to leverage Kepler’s secure, low latency space network with advanced compute for routing mission critical data. This role blends technical solutioning with strategic account leadership and will be instrumental in shaping how national customers access, move, and compute data in space.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Kepler’s Canadian business capture and customer engagement strategy focused on secure, resilient satellite communications for Canadian government and defense use
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key Canadian stakeholders such as DND, CAF, CANSOFCOM, and procurement organizations, as well as international counterparts in allied nations
• Identify and develop revenue-generating opportunities tied to space-based connectivity, ground station integration, and in-space compute and storage use cases
• Navigate and influence procurement cycles for space-based ISR, C4ISR, Arctic comms, and situational awareness programs
• Partner with Product and Engineering to align Kepler’s capabilities including inter-satellite links, software-defined networking, and data relay nodes with mission-critical customer requirements
• Lead capture efforts from ideation to proposal submission
• Represent Kepler at Canadian and international space, defense, and technology conferences
• Support long-term strategy, go-to-market planning, and cross-functional resource alignment as part of the Kepler leadership team
• Nurture prospective opportunities through Canadian industrial participation programs (ITB/IRB)
• Provide recurring input to executive leadership on market conditions, pipeline progress, and customer priorities

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in satellite communications, space systems, or high-technology business development within the government or defense sector
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense studies, or a related field
• Proven record of success in business capture and customer relationship management in Canada and/or Five Eyes/Allied government environments
• Strong understanding of space networks, and secure communications systems
• Familiarity with space-based mission applications such as real-time Earth observation, ISR, and Arctic communications
• Experience navigating public sector procurement cycles and defense acquisition frameworks
• Ability to communicate credibly with operational and technical leader

Bonus Points

• MBA and/or master’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense studies, or a related field
• Background in military operations, defense or service
• DND security clearance
• Prior senior leadership roles at satellite operators, ground segment providers, or defense primes
• Exposure to edge computing in space, data center virtualization, or cloud-integrated satellite solutions
• Experience with international capture programs, especially within NATO, Five Eyes, or UN missions
• Understanding of Controlled Goods Program, ITAR/CGP, and national export control frameworks
• Strong existing network within the Canadian space and defense ecosystem

Use of AI in Recruitment

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.

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 [e-mail], and we will work with you to meet your needs.