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Kepler Communications

Posted 1 month ago

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Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

TorontoOn-siteFull-time

AI Summary

Senior managerial role focusing on leading and developing the mechanical engineering organization for space hardware at Kepler. Oversees design, structural, and thermal teams from concept through flight readiness, emphasizing standards, collaboration, and growth.

About this role

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.
* 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 certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical engineering function at Kepler, supporting the development and delivery of next-generation space hardware.

Mechanical engineering supports multiple concurrent efforts, including integrated product teams (IPTs) and program teams. This role encompasses staffing, alignment, growth, and performance of the mechanical engineering organization.

You will operate through managers, team leads, and senior individual contributors to ensure the organization is structured and enabled to deliver effectively. This role focuses on organizational leadership, development of engineering leaders, and alignment with program needs and execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Organization

  • Lead and develop the mechanical engineering organization across design and analysis disciplines

  • Manage through managers and team leads to drive performance and execution

  • Build and maintain a strong engineering culture focused on ownership, quality, and continuous improvement

  • Lead hiring strategy and organizational growth planning

  • Coach and develop managers, team leads, and individual contributors

Technical Excellence & Execution

  • Define and maintain standards for mechanical design, structural, and thermal analysis

  • Establish and enforce best practices across design, simulation, and hardware verification

  • Guide and review critical technical decisions, risks, and trade-offs

  • Propose and drive R&D aligned with Kepler's roadmap and product vision

  • Oversee tools and infrastructure; drive adoption of new technologies and processes

  • Improve engineering efficiency, reliability, and traceability

Cross-functional Alignment

  • Enable collaboration across mechanical, electrical, RF, systems, production, and operations teams

  • Partner with Technical Project Managers, Chief Engineers, and program leadership to align priorities

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

  • 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering

  • Experience leading engineering teams across multiple mechanical domains (e.g., design, structural, thermal); experience managing managers is an asset

  • Strong understanding of mechanical design, structural analysis, and thermal engineering principles

  • Experience delivering hardware from concept through qualification and flight readiness

  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Bonus Points:

  • Experience in spacecraft or aerospace hardware development

  • Experience scaling engineering teams in a high-growth environment

  • Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and simulation toolchains

  • Experience defining engineering processes and organizational structures

Skills

CADCross-Functional CollaborationDesign StandardsEngineering ProcessesHardware VerificationHiring StrategyMechanical DesignOrganizational DevelopmentPLMProduct Roadmap AlignmentProject CoordinationQuality ImprovementR&D AlignmentRisk AssessmentSimulation ToolchainsStructural AnalysisTeam LeadershipThermal EngineeringTrade-off Analysis

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