Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

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. 

Leadership & Organization 

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

  
  

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  Manage through managers and team leads to drive performance and execution 

  
  




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

  
  

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  Lead hiring strategy and organizational growth planning 

  
  

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  Coach and develop managers, team leads, and individual contributors 

  
  

Technical Excellence & Execution 

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

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  

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

  Discover our full range of relocation jobs with comprehensive support packages to help you relocate and settle in your new location.

  
  

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  Improve engineering efficiency, reliability, and traceability 

  
  

Cross-functional Alignment 

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

  
  

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

  
  

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  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent  

  
  

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  10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering  

  
  

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

  
  

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

  
  




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  Experience delivering hardware from concept through qualification and flight readiness  

  
  

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  Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills  

  
  

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  Experience in spacecraft or aerospace hardware development  

  
  

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  Experience scaling engineering teams in a high-growth environment  

  
  

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  Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and simulation toolchains  

  
  

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  Experience defining engineering processes and organizational structures  

  
  

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 accommodation@kepler.space, 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.