Software Project Engineer

Rocket Lab; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the space sector is seeking a Software Project Engineer in Toronto to oversee complex engineering efforts across flight and ground software domains. The role focuses on ensuring high-performance systems meet mission needs, offering opportunities for significant impact and growth in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited vacation and supportive parental leave

Semi-annual company-wide parties

Relocation packages for approved roles

Annual professional development fund

Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks

Great Place to Work certification

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technical leadership or project engineering roles.
• Experience delivering software-heavy systems.
• Comfortable working in mixed hardware and software environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of embedded and ground software deliverables.
• Manage cost, schedule, and scope from concept through delivery.
• Coordinate across disciplines to ensure consistent progress.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project engineering

Software architecture

Schedule management

Cost estimation

Cross-functional team leadership

Verification and validation practices

Effective communication

Education

BS Degree in Software, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or similar

Job description

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, four years in a row!

Kepler is seeking a Software Project Engineer with a strong foundation in software systems to lead the delivery of complex engineering efforts across both flight and ground software domains. This role is central to Kepler’s mission of building a scalable communications platform in space, where software defines how our satellites operate, connect, and deliver value across the constellation and ground infrastructure. You will own cost, schedule, and technical integration, working across disciplines to ensure we deliver reliable, high-performance systems that meet mission needs.

Expected Time Breakdown

50% – Scope, schedule, and cost management

30% – Cross-functional coordination and integration

20% – Risk management, stakeholder communication, and process adherence

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead execution of embedded and ground software deliverables across assigned work packages
• Manage cost, schedule, and scope from concept through delivery, own the execution baseline
• Coordinate across disciplines (systems, software, hardware, QA, integration) to ensure consistent progress and clear technical direction
• Support interface development and integration between spacecraft and ground infrastructure
• Run technical milestone planning and readiness (SRR, SDR, TRR, VRR)
• Drive issue resolution, risk mitigation, and schedule recovery where needed
• Maintain alignment between program-level objectives and day-to-day engineering work
• Ensure adherence to software processes, quality standards, and system-level requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• BS Degree in Software, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or similar
• 5+ years in technical leadership or project engineering roles, preferably in space, aerospace, automotive, or similar regulated environments
• Experience delivering software-heavy systems, ideally covering embedded RTOS or Linux, ground software platforms, or both
• Strong understanding of software architecture and the full software development lifecycle
• Solid grasp of development, verification, and validation practices, including test planning and quality gates
• Proficient in schedule management, cost estimation and completion tracking, and earned value methodologies
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments
• Comfortable working in mixed hardware and software environments and resolving interface-level gaps
• Familiar with modern software workflows including CI and CD, static analysis, and issue tracking
• Effective communicator and decision-maker across engineering, PMO, and leadership teams

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.