Technical Program Integration Lead

Telesat; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Telesat is seeking a Senior Technical Program Integration Lead to unify planning across multiple technical domains in Ottawa. The role coordinates engineering, software, hardware, and operations to deliver integrated execution plans and measurable milestones.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in technical program management, strong systems thinking, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders without direct authority.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in technical program management or related disciplines.
• Experience leading integrated planning across multiple technical domains.
• Experience developing WBS and IMS.
• Experience managing cross-functional dependencies and risks.
• Experience coordinating complex programs with suppliers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and maintenance of execution plans for assigned program segments.
• Translate technical scope into structured, executable plans with milestones, deliverables, ownership, dependencies, and criteria.
• Drive integrated planning across engineering, software, hardware, systems, operations, and suppliers.
• Maintain alignment between technical maturity, execution plans, and program commitments.
• Proactively identify risks and propose mitigations; enable informed leadership decisions.

Skills

Technical program management

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Analytical thinking

Influence without authority

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

IMS

WBS

Scheduling tools

Job description

The Technical Program Integration Lead serves as the focal point for integrated planning and execution within a major program segment, product area, or technical domain

This role bridges technical complexity and program execution by transforming multiple engineering, product, software, hardware, operations, integration, and supplier workstreams into a cohesive, executable, and measurable program plan. Working across technical teams, systems engineering, program management, and program controls organizations, the Senior Technical Program Integration Lead ensures scope, dependencies, risks, readiness criteria, and delivery commitments are accurately represented within the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and broader program framework

Unlike a traditional Project Manager or Integrated Program Controls Analysts, this role drives technical planning maturity, cross-functional alignment, and execution discipline while ensuring technical teams operate as a fully integrated part of the overall program

The role is accountable for establishing and maintaining a credible, integrated execution plan, identifying, and proposing workarounds and mitigations for risks and dependencies early, and enabling leadership to make informed decisions based on clear assessments of program readiness and execution health

Success in this position requires strong technical acumen, systems-level thinking, and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders toward a common execution strategy

Integrated Planning & Execution

• Lead the development, integration, and maintenance of execution plans for assigned program segments or technical domains
• Translate technical scope into structured, executable plans with clearly defined milestones, deliverables, ownership, dependencies, and success criteria
• Drive integrated planning across engineering, software, hardware, systems, operations, integration, verification, and supplier activities
• Ensure technical work is decomposed into measurable and executable work packages aligned to program objectives
• Maintain alignment between technical maturity, execution plans, and program commitments

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) & Schedule Integration

• Own and maintain assigned Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, ensuring alignment between scope, deliverables, schedule, and reporting structures
• Ensure domain activities are appropriately integrated into the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and comply with established planning and scheduling standards
• Continuously assessing schedule quality, identifying planning gaps, invalid logic, disconnected activities, and dependency issues
• Drive improvements in planning rigor, execution transparency, and schedule integrity

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with engineering, systems engineering, product management, operations, supply chain, integration teams, vendors, and program leadership to align plans and commitments
• Identify, manage, and continuously validate cross-functional dependencies, interfaces, and integration points Facilitate planning sessions, integration reviews, dependency assessments, and milestone readiness activities
• Serve as the primary integration interface between technical teams, Program Management, Program Controls, and Systems Engineering

Risk Management & Decision Support

• Proactively identify technical, schedule, resource, and integration risks that may impact program objectives Assess impacts associated with technical changes, schedule variances, dependency disruptions, and execution challenges
• Support the development of mitigation plans, recovery strategies, and execution alternatives
• Provide leadership with clear assessments of milestone readiness, execution health, dependency status, and schedule confidence

Governance & Execution Maturity

• Establish and maintain objective readiness criteria for major reviews, integration events, and delivery milestones Support program governance and decision-making forums by presenting integrated execution assessments and recommendations
• Drive continuous improvement in planning discipline, dependency management, milestone definition, and execution practices
• Foster increased planning maturity and execution accountability across assigned domains
• Ensure technical teams maintain a credible, integrated, and executable plan that supports program commitments

Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, product development, engineering integration, program planning, or related disciplines within a complex technology environment
• Experience leading integrated planning and execution activities across multiple technical and business functions
• Experience developing and maintaining Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and integrated execution plans
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional dependencies, technical risks, and milestone readiness assessments
• Experience supporting complex programs involving multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and organizational teams
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Business, or a related discipline; equivalent experience will also be considered
• Experience leading integrated planning, technical program execution, systems engineering coordination, or complex product development activities
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical work into executable plans with clear ownership, sequencing, and dependencies
• Experience developing and maintaining integrated schedules and work breakdown structures
• Proven ability to coordinate activities across multiple technical disciplines and organizational boundaries
• Strong systems-thinking capability with the ability to understand interfaces, dependencies, and integration challenges
• Experience identifying and managing technical and execution risks
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence without direct authority across matrixed organizations
• Ability to operate effectively in complex and evolving environments while creating structure, alignment, and execution clarity

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite communications, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, networking, software platforms, or other complex technology development environments
• Familiarity with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), milestone-based execution frameworks, and program governance processes
• Experience with WBS development, integrated planning methodologies, and schedule management tools
• Exposure to system integration, verification and validation, operational readiness, and deployment activities
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices, including requirements management, configuration management, and technical baseline control
• Experience supporting technical reviews, readiness assessments, and major program milestones
• Understanding of program controls, forecasting, risk management, dependency tracking, and performance measurement practices
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Program Management, or a related field

Security & Compliance Requirements

• Canadian Reliability Status (Minimum) is required
• Eligibility for Controlled Goods Program (CGP) Registration is required
• Ability to handle controlled, sensitive, and export-regulated technical data in compliance with Canadian and international regulations

Decision Making & Supervision

• This role has direct reports and will work and interact with multi-disciplinary teams.

Working Conditions

• Working conditions are typical of a downtown Ottawa office environment.

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain Reliability Status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.