Senior Specialist UT Systems Engineer

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Telesat is seeking a Senior Specialist User Terminal Systems Engineer to advance UT hardware and software for Lightspeed. You will drive architecture, interfaces, and deployment plans across Enterprise, Maritime, Aero, Government, and Land Mobility markets.

The role requires deep knowledge of satellite communications, software architecture, and vendor collaboration, with onsite work four days per week and international travel as needed.

Qualifications

• B.Eng. in Electrical or CS; advanced degrees assets.
• Strong background in satellite systems development and integration.
• Experience engaging vendors to align architecture and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define UT system requirements and architecture aligning with performance goals.
• Lead operation concept development for UT procedures.
• Interface with modem/antenna vendors to close gaps and mitigate risk.
• Define interfaces, ICDs, and system specifications for UT subsystems.
• Plan development and deployment across market segments; ensure scalability.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate terminal functionality.

Skills

Satellite systems engineering

Software architecture

Vendor engagement

Leadership

English communication

Education

B.Eng in Electrical Engineering

Masters/PhD in Electrical Engineering or CS (assets)

Tools

ASIC design

Satellite modems

Hub technology

Cloud/edge computing

NGSO regulatory knowledge

Job description

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

The company's state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com.

The Senior Specialist User Terminal Systems Engineer will provide technical expertise in the development of equipment, software and systems related to the development of LEO Lightspeed user terminals (UT). The ideal candidate will bring a deep knowledge and expertise on Air Interface protocols/procedures, software architecture, UT operations and System Functionality. This role focuses on technical aspects related to the development, validation, and deployment of user terminals including modem, antenna and RF components for an integrated UT that will meet the overall system requirements and market use cases.

Resource is required to work onsite a minimum of four (4) days per week.

Main Responsibilities

• Define and Evolve UT Systems: Develop and maintain technical requirements and architectural frameworks for Telesat Lightspeed user terminal ensuring alignment with system-level performance goals and operational concepts.
• Concept of Operations Development: Lead the definition of UT operational procedures
• Vendor Engagement & Technical Leadership: interface with modem and antenna vendors to drive architectural alignment, clarify requirements, identify technical gaps, and develop risk mitigation strategies throughout the product lifecycle
• UT System Integration: collaborate with UT engineering and architecture to define interfaces, ICDs, and component/subsystem/terminal specifications.
• Deployment Planning: develop and maintain a comprehensive development and deployment plan that supports the Lightspeed service introduction schedule and long-term scalability across market segments including Enterprise, Maritime, Aero, Government and Land Mobility
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with internal Telesat's systems engineering and technical product management teams to ensure seamless integration of terminal functionality and performance within the complete system and according to product roadmaps and external vendors

Education & Experience Required

• B.Eng. (Electrical or Computer Science), Masters or Ph.D. Electrical Engineering /Computer Science will be considered assets.
• Specialization in software engineering or software architecture.
• 14+ years' experience in satellite systems development and implementation
• Demonstrated system engineering role or knowledge in the networking and communication environment
• Prior experience in working with the vendors in the communication ecosystems to design and develop a product that successfully meets market needs

Specialized Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert level knowledge of satellite communication technologies with strong emphasis on user terminal equipment design and implementation.
• Knowledge of satellite communication access techniques, modulation and associated performance tradeoffs.
• Knowledge of antenna technologies required for terminals tracking NGSO satellites for mobile land, aeronautical, maritime and fixed applications.
• Experience in cloud, edge computing, or mobile networking
• Familiarity of regulatory environment for NGSO satellite spectrum;
• Knowledge of satellite modems and hub technology performance;
• High degree of understanding of ASIC design and manufacturing;
• Understanding of manufacturing constraints for high volume production of satellite terminals to be deployed globally;
• Ability to design for specific cost targets and mitigate system implications based on market needs
• Understanding of product assurance and quality control methods applicable to high volume production of satellite terminals;
• Understanding of physical layer communication protocols for satellite communications;
• Excellent communicator. Ability to summarize complex problems, solutions and recommendations successfully, while managing complex topics and driving decisions;
• Ability to work successfully and progress on topics independently, while collaborating with internal and external contacts
• Fluent in English, written and oral.

Decision Making & Supervision

• Develops and recommends solutions for advanced Telesat Lightspeed user terminals;
• There is no direct reporting staff but this role may be expected to lead multidisciplinary project teams and/or provide technical assistance or guidance to other engineers or specialists within Telesat and within our vendor community.

Working Conditions

• Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office environment;
• Occasional international travel is anticipated.

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.

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.