Project Engineer - Software

Kepler Communications; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the space communications sector is seeking a Project Engineer to manage complex engineering efforts across software domains. The role involves overseeing cost, schedule, and technical integration to ensure high-performance systems meet mission needs. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in software systems and project engineering.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technical leadership or project engineering roles.
• Experience delivering software-heavy systems.

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

Leadership

Communication

Risk Management

Software Development Lifecycle

Cost Estimation

Education

BS Degree in Software, Electrical, Systems Engineering

Tools

RTOS

Linux

Job description

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!

Kepler is seeking a 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.

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.