Senior Network Architect

Kepler Communications Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive equity plan

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited vacation

Parental leave

Relocation packages

Professional development fund

Toronto office amenities

Company-wide events

Great Place to Work certification

Job summary

Kepler Communications is seeking a Network Architect to design, build, and operate mission-critical networks supporting our satellite constellation and customers of the Kepler Network. This role emphasizes automation and scalable reliability across on-prem and cloud environments.

The ideal candidate will drive hybrid cloud networking, implement network security, and collaborate with software/FPGA teams to enable reliable space-ground connectivity.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in routing and switching concepts (ISIS, MPLS, BGP, GRE, VLAN) at an equivalent level to CCNP.
• Hands-on experience deploying and supporting large WAN environments.
• Hands-on experience designing and operating hybrid cloud networking, including AWS VPCs, TGW routing, VPN connectivity, and secure integration with on-prem networks.
• Hands-on experience with software defined network concepts, including Network Function Virtualization, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD, Python scripting, Jinja templating, Terraform, JSON/YAML configuration formats, Ansible playbooks and automation workflows, Git version control.
• Basic Linux networking knowledge including interface configuration, routing tables, firewall rules, and troubleshooting connectivity.
• Hands-on experience implementing and managing IPsec VPNs for site-to-site and remote connectivity.
• Hands-on experience implementing network monitoring and observability platforms, such as SNMP-based monitoring, NetFlow/sFlow, or telemetry pipelines.
• Hands-on experience managing network infrastructure changes, including structured change management practices.
• Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to design integrated network solutions supporting complex distributed systems.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills across multiple layers of the network stack.
• Strong documentation practices, including network diagrams, configuration standards, and operational procedures.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, while maintaining strong collaboration with distributed engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Work with network architects to design, build and operate Kepler’s mission-critical networks
• Contribute to the team to design, build. and operate the corporate network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, security appliances, and hybrid cloud connectivity
• Manage network security and segmentation, ensuring infrastructure adheres to security best practices and company policies
• Design and maintain hybrid cloud networking architectures, integrating on-prem environments with AWS services
• Develop and maintain network automation tools, leveraging Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code approaches to improve reliability and operational efficiency
• Collaborate closely with software, FPGA, and mission operations teams to support network infrastructure for satellite operations and ground systems
• Provide operational support for corporate and service provider network infrastructure, including participation in on-call rotations
• Implement monitoring, logging, and observability tools to proactively detect and resolve network issues
• Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and operational runbooks
• Participate in change management processes, including planning, implementation, and post-change validation
• Support incident response and root cause analysis for network-related outages or performance issues

Skills

Routing and switching fundamentals (CC

Tools

AWS VPCs

Terraform

Ansible

Python scripting

Jinja templating

Terraform

CI/CD

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 on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence 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 ofwhat’spossible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, andwe’recommitted to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

Ifyou’reready 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 certifiedGreat Place to Work®, seven years in a row!

Kepler is seeking a Network Architect to join our Network Engineering team. In this role, you will design, build, and operate our mission-critical networks that support our constellation of satellites and, ultimately, customers of the Kepler Network; ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability.

Your secondary responsibility will be to design, build, and operate Kepler’s internal corporate networks (on-premises and cloud). The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with complex networks and will fully embrace software and automation initiatives. This includes driving network automation and programmability while working closely with network architects, software engineers, and FPGA developers to deliver services to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with network architects to design, build and operate Kepler’s mission-critical networks
• Contribute to the team to design, build. and operate the corporate network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, security appliances, and hybrid cloud connectivity
• Manage network security and segmentation, ensuring infrastructure adheres to security best practices and company policies
• Design and maintain hybrid cloud networking architectures, integrating on-prem environments with AWS services
• Develop and maintain network automation tools, leveraging Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code approaches to improve reliability and operational efficiency
• Collaborate closely with software, FPGA, and mission operations teams to support network infrastructure for satellite operations and ground systems
• Provide operational support for corporate and service provider network infrastructure, including participation in on-call rotations
• Implement monitoring, logging, and observability tools to proactively detect and resolve network issues
• Maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and operational runbooks
• Participate in change management processes, including planning, implementation, and post-change validation
• Support incident response and root cause analysis for network-related outages or performance issues

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong foundation in routing and switching concepts (ISIS, MPLS, BGP, GRE, VLAN) at an equivalent level to CCNP
• Hands-on experience deploying and supporting large WAN environments
• Hands-on experience designing and operating hybrid cloud networking, including AWS VPCs, TGW routing, VPN connectivity, and secure integration with on-prem networks
• Hands-on experience with software defined network concepts, including:
  • Network Function Virtualization
  • Infrastructure as Code
  • CI/CD
  • Python scripting
  • Jinja templating
  • Terraform
  • JSON/YAML configuration formats
  • Ansible playbooks and automation workflows
  • Git version control
• Basic Linux networking knowledge including interface configuration, routing tables, firewall rules, and troubleshooting connectivity
• Hands-on experience implementing and managing IPsec VPNs for site-to-site and remote connectivity
• Hands-on experience implementing network monitoring and observability platforms, such as SNMP-based monitoring, NetFlow/sFlow, or telemetry pipelines
• Hands-on experience managing network infrastructure changes, including structured change management practices
• Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to design integrated network solutions supporting complex distributed systems
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills across multiple layers of the network stack
• Strong documentation practices, including network diagrams, configuration standards, and operational procedures
• Ability to work independently and remotely, while maintaining strong collaboration with distributed engineering teams

"Demonstrates a willingness to adopt and effectively utilize AI-assisted engineering tools, applying sound judgment to improve productivity, quality, and innovation while continuously adapting to evolving technologies"

Bonus Points:

• Expert-level routing and switching experience at an equivalent level to CCIE
• Advanced Linux networking expertise, including kernel networking concepts, traffic shaping, and advanced routing
• Hands-on experience with network simulation or emulation platforms, such as EVE-NG, GNS3, or container-based network labs
• Hands-on experience designing complex network architectures, including multi-site or globally distributed networks
• Hands-on experience supporting small to mid-scale data center environments, including switching fabrics and server connectivity
• Hands-on experience working with network controllers or intent-based networking platforms
• Hands-on experience implementing and supporting Fortinet solutions, including SD-WAN configuration, firewall policies, and firmware upgrades
• Hands-on experience supporting satellite communications or space-ground network infrastructure

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.