Embedded Software Designer – Processing & Algorithms (Contingent)

Kepler Communications Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 159,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Kepler Communications in Toronto, Canada, is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to turn raw sensor data into actionable information with EO/IR processing across space and ground assets.

You’ll design reliable software, collaborate with imaging sensors, and help advance onboard processing for our next-generation satellites, while mentoring junior engineers and participating in design reviews.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience with EO/IR, signal, or image processing algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop processing pipelines for EO/IR, signal, and image data.
• Interface with imaging and data sensors to collect and analyze data.
• On-board software for our next generation of satellites.
• Support detection and tracking algorithms, including third-party IP integration.
• Write tests and documentation; participate in code reviews.
• Collaborate with hardware and operations teams to define architecture.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Identify shortcomings and guide future development.

Skills

Embedded software

Algorithms

Debugging

Git & CI/CD

Communication skills

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE

Tools

OpenEmbedded/Yocto

FreeRTOS

SPI/I2C/CAN

Job description

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 accessforspace-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation.With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepleroperatesthe first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbitcomputeand 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 ofwhat’spossible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, andwe’recommitted to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

Ifyou’reready 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 compensationwith 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 partysand frequent in-office team events.
• Relocation packagesavailable for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fundto support your growth.
• Fully stocked Toronto office kitchenwith snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
• Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide eventstop stay connected and engaged.
• We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

Position Status: Contingent Upon Program Award

We’re on the hunt for a top-tier Embedded Software Engineer - Processing & Algorithms to build the processing software that turns raw sensor data into actionable information. Your focus will be on signal, image, and EO/IR processing algorithms across a growing fleet of spacecraft, spanning both space and ground-based assets. You’ll be relied upon for input and decisions that will directly impact design and operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop reliable, high-quality software related to:
• Processing pipelines for EO/IR, signal, and image data across space and ground systems
• Interfacing with imaging and data sensors to collect and analyze data
• On-board software for our next generation of satellites
• Support the development of detection and tracking algorithms, including evaluating and integrating third-party IP from vendors and partners into the processing pipeline
• Writing thorough tests and documentation
• Participating in software design review and code review processes
• Work with electrical, digital design, and operations teams toidentifyrequired features and solidify the system architecture
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
• Identifyshortcomings in existing software components and direct future development efforts

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
• Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms,testingand debugging
• Proficiency in C/C++, especially in embedded topics such as concurrency, memory-mapped peripherals, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN)
• Experience developing EO/IR, signal, or image processing algorithms
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
• Comfortable using AI-assisted tooling for code development and testing
• Experience interfacing with different imaging and data sensors to collect and analyze data
• Experience with embedded operating systems and build systems, including OpenEmbedded / Yocto and FreeRTOS
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to effectively use Gitand associatedCI/CD features

Bonus Points:

• Master’s degree
• Experience developing software for aerospace applications
• Experience with detection and tracking algorithmsfor both edge and ground processing
• Experience using ML/AI as part of the processing pipeline
• Experience interfacing with FPGA or GPU processing hardware
• Background (industry or personal projects) in sensor data collection and analysis

Salary Range: $159,288 - 209,288 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: Contingent Upon Program Award

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 [emailprotected], 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.

Required skills:Algorithms, C, C++, Debugging, Git, Image Processing, CI/CDRequired languages:English