Staff Program Manager

Kepler Communications Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 142,962 - 192,960; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Unlimited vacation

Parental leave

Holiday shutdown

Team events

Relocation packages

Development fund

Office kitchen

Company events

Great Place to Work

Job summary

Kepler Communications in Toronto is seeking a Staff Program Manager to lead end-to-end satellite systems programs from concept to on-orbit commissioning and operation. You will guide cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, and business development, drive plans, manage scope, schedule, costs, and risks, and support proposal efforts related to flight software and on‑orbit operations.

Ideal candidates have 9+ years in aerospace, strong IMS and EVM experience, excellent communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of aerospace or electronic systems development experience, with 7+ years in a program management role.
• Experience overseeing system development from design to qualification and integration.
• Strong understanding of IMS and earned value management (EVM) techniques.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to ensure program delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with stakeholder engagement.
• Experience negotiating contracts with space agencies (CSA, ESA, NASA, JAX).
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and budgets.
• Ability to interface with customers and suppliers for partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; adaptable and goal-driven.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end space systems program management, delivering on schedule and within budget.
• Interface with customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders for alignment and execution.
• Own scope, schedule, cost, and risk across the full program lifecycle.
• Plan and facilitate design, qualification, and production milestone reviews.
• Develop program plans, metrics, and status reports.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate across engineering, operations, and business development for alignment.
• Mentor program managers and develop their skills.
• Monitor program health using Earned Value Metrics (EVM).
• Collaborate with Chief Engineer and Systems Engineering for cohesive strategy.
• Identify barriers and mitigate risks; escalate when necessary.
• Leverage AI-assisted tools to improve productivity and innovation.
• Maintain communication with department leads on risks and milestones.
• Suggest improvements to PM processes and frameworks.
• Present status and insights to stakeholders.

Skills

Program management

Aerospace industry experience

IMS & EVM knowledge

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

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 access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration 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 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.
• 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® for five years in a row!

About the Role

As a Staff Program Manager at Kepler, you will spearhead the end-to-end development and execution of mission-critical satellite systems programs from initial concept through on-orbit commissioning and operational success. You will shape and drive strategic initiatives that expand global partnerships and accelerate our growth in the space sector. In this leadership role, you will guide cross‑functional teams to advance and optimize our satellite systems, delivering innovative solutions that push the boundaries of space technology.

In this role, you will serve as a key leader, collaborating closely with our Engineering and Operations teams to ensure the successful, on‑time, and on‑budget execution of critical programs, from initial kickoff through operational handover. Beyond program execution, you will have the opportunity to contribute to proposal efforts, shaping initiatives related to flight software development, satellite commissioning, or on‑orbit operations.

This position is ideal for candidates who combine strong business acumen with good technical expertise across multiple aerospace engineering disciplines. You should have a proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings a demonstrated track record of managing P&L for complex, high-impact programs and driving results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program management for space systems development and production, delivering on schedule, within budget, and to contractual and technical requirements.
• Serve as the primary interface with customers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution.
• Own and manage all aspects of program scope, schedule, cost, and risk throughout the full program lifecycle.
• 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 and performance specifications, while providing clear, data-driven recommendations to business leadership.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations and business development to ensure program alignment and execution.
• Provide leadership to program managers during the execution of a major program while coaching and developing their skills.
• Monitor and report on program health using Earned Value Metrics (EVM).
• Collaborate closely with peer Program Managers, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineering team to maintain cohesive strategy and consistent messaging.
• Proactively identify execution barriers and critical risks, develop mitigation plans with relevant teams, and elevate issues when necessary.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Maintain strong communication with department leads to surface top risks, key milestones, and ensure accountability for functional deliverables.
• Assist in optimizing program management processes and execution frameworks to improve operational efficiency.
• Present program status and performance insights to internal and external stakeholders using the most effective forums and communication channels.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience in the aerospace or other electronic systems development industries, with 7+ years in a program management role.
• Proven experience in overseeing system development, from design to qualification and integration.
• Strong understanding and practical use of integrated master schedules (IMS) and earned value management (EVM) techniques to track, control, and report on program execution.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks to ensure successful program delivery.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical and programmatic information.
• Experience in supporting contract negotiations with major space agencies such as CSA, ESA, NASA, or JAX.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proven success in managing cross-functional teams, program budgets, and schedules to drive programs to successful completion.
• Proven ability to effectively interface with customers and suppliers and develop long-term strategic partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across technical and non-technical teams.
• Driven, adaptable, and consistently committed to surpassing goals.

Bonus Points

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Previous experience in a technical leadership position.
• Experience with systems engineering processes and optical systems.
• PMP certification.
• Satellite subsystems or scientific instruments for space.

Salary Range: $142,962 - 192,960 CAD

Job Type: Contingent Upon Program Award

Position Status: 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 [e-mail], 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.