Embedded Software Designer – Sensor Processing Algorithms

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in compensation

Health, dental, vision insurance

Unlimited vacation

Parental leave policy

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

Kepler Communications in Toronto is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer - Processing & Algorithms to turn raw sensor data into actionable information. You’ll design processing pipelines for EO/IR, signal and image data across space and ground assets, and contribute to on-board software for our satellite fleet.

The role emphasizes collaboration with hardware and operations teams, mentorship of junior engineers, and evaluating third-party IP.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong software design and debugging skills.
• Proficiency in C/C++, embedded topics (concurrency, peripherals).
• Experience EO/IR, signal, or image processing.
• Willingness to use AI-assisted tools to improve productivity.
• Experience with AI-assisted tooling for code development and testing.
• Experience interfacing with imaging and data sensors to analyze data.
• Experience with OpenEmbedded/Yocto and FreeRTOS.
• Excellent communication skills; Git/CI/CD proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop processing pipelines for EO/IR, signal and image data across space and ground systems.
• Interface with imaging sensors to collect and analyze data.
• Develop on-board software for next generation satellites.
• Support detection and tracking algorithms and integrate third-party IP.
• Write tests and documentation thoroughly.
• Participate in software design and code reviews.
• Collaborate with electrical/digital design and operations teams to define features and architecture.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Identify shortcomings and direct future development.

Skills

Embedded software (5+ yrs)

C/C++ (embedded)

EO/IR processing

AI-assisted tooling

Git/CI-CD

Imaging sensors data

OpenEmbedded/Yocto/FreeRTOS

Communication skills

Algorithms testing debugging

Sensor data interfaces

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE or equivalent

Tools

OpenEmbedded/Yocto

FreeRTOS

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 on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and 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 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, seven years in a row!

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, testing and 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 Git and associated CI/CD features

Bonus Points:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
• Experience developing software for aerospace applications
• Experience with detection and tracking algorithms for 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: This is for a current vacancy

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.