Senior Program Manager

Kepler Communications; Toronto; On-site; CAD 131,911 - 181,911; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health coverage

Unlimited vacation

Relocation packages

$1,500 professional development fund

Stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks

Job summary

Kepler Communications is seeking a Program Manager in Toronto, Ontario to drive the development of satellite systems from concept to on-orbit validation. The successful candidate will manage program scope, schedule, cost, and risks while leading cross-functional teams and engaging with customers.

Applicants should possess significant experience in aerospace, program management, and strong technical skills. The role offers competitive compensation including robust health coverage and unique benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in aerospace or high-reliability industries, 4+ in program management.
• Knowledge of satellite development life cycle.
• Strong understanding of EVM techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage program scope, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Serve as primary interface with customers and stakeholders.
• Develop program plans and key performance metrics.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Program management

Risk mitigation

Agile development

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering

Tools

EVM techniques

IMS systems

Job description

Overview

Kepler Communications is building real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling data-driven exploration and innovation. The company operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation and supports on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. The team emphasizes diverse perspectives and growth, leadership, and global impact.

If you’re ready to reach higher and contribute to shaping the future space economy, this is your launchpad. Join Kepler to build the future in space.

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.
• Kepler is a certified Great Place to Work, five years in a row.

Role Overview

As a Program Manager at Kepler, you will spearhead the development and execution of mission-critical satellite systems from concept through on-orbit validation. You will drive strategic program initiatives that strengthen global partnerships and fuel growth in the space sector. This role leads a cross-functional team to orchestrate on-orbit demonstrations aboard Kepler satellites, advance the ÆTHER spacecraft platform, and interface with hosted payload customers. You may contribute to the development and commissioning of the Tranche-2 satellite constellation.

You will work with Engineering and Operations to ensure on-time, on-budget program execution from kickoff through operational handover. You may also contribute to proposals involving satellite systems, software, satellite commissioning, or on-orbit operations.

This role suits candidates with strong technical depth across aerospace engineering disciplines and solid program management acumen. The successful candidate will lead high-performing teams and build relationships with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage all aspects of program scope, schedule, cost, and risk throughout the full lifecycle
• Serve as the primary interface with hosted payload customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution
• Plan and facilitate key programmatic and technical reviews, including design, qualification, and production milestones
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, key performance metrics, and regular status reports
• Drive accountability across teams by making informed decisions on scope changes and performance specifications, with data-driven recommendations to leadership
• Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations, and business development to ensure program alignment and execution
• Monitor and report on program health using metrics such as SPI, CPI, and EAC
• Collaborate with the Program Director, peer Program Managers, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineering team to maintain cohesive strategy and messaging
• Identify execution barriers and risks, develop mitigation plans with relevant teams, and escalate issues when necessary
• Maintain strong communication with department leads to surface top risks and milestones, ensuring accountability for functional deliverables
• Present program status and performance insights to internal and external stakeholders through effective forums and channels

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in aerospace or other high-reliability industries, with at least 4 years in a program management role
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Knowledge of satellite development life cycle and experience overseeing system development from design to qualification and integration
• Strong understanding of IMS and EVM techniques to track, control, and report on program execution
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks
• Familiarity with Agile development practices and integrating Agile methods into hardware-focused program execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex technical and programmatic information
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proven success in managing cross-functional teams, budgets, and schedules to drive programs to completion
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence stakeholders and build consensus

Bonus Points

• Experience in technical leadership roles such as Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead, project engineer, systems lead, or technical lead
• Knowledge or experience in optical communications
• Experience with electronics development, flight software development, and GNC/AOCS subsystem development
• PMP certification

Salary Range: 131,911 CAD – 181,911 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion based on knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with expectations, as it does not reflect total compensation.

Employment Type: This is for a current vacancy

Employment Equity & Accommodation

Kepler is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, contact the People & Culture team at [e-mail] for assistance.