Staff Backend Software Developer

Staff Backend Software Developer

Toronto, Ontario

Engineering – Software /

Full-time Regular /

Hybrid

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 highly experienced Staff Software Developer to lead the design and evolution of Kepler’s backend systems and platform architecture. This role operates at a company-wide level, driving technical strategy, enabling cross-team execution, and ensuring that our systems scale to meet the growing demands of Kepler’s satellite network and mission control operations.

As a Staff Developer, you will work across multiple teams to solve complex technical challenges, guide architectural decisions, and improve engineering effectiveness. You will play a key role in shaping long-term technical direction while ensuring near-term delivery remains efficient and aligned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and evolution of large-scale backend systems supporting Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software
• Drive architectural decisions that span multiple teams and services, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
• Identify and lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives, including system-wide performance improvements, reliability efforts, and platform standardization
• Partner with product, operations, and leadership to translate business opportunities into technical strategy and execution plans
• Define and improve engineering processes, development workflows, and operational practices across teams

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• Own and guide long-term technical roadmaps, balancing immediate delivery needs with strategic investments
• Act as a technical authority and advisor, providing guidance on complex system design, tradeoffs, and risk management
• Mentor senior engineers and help grow technical leadership across the organization
• Drive alignment across teams by influencing without authority and building consensus on technical direction

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 8+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend systems
• Proven experience designing and operating large-scale, distributed systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-team technical initiatives and influence engineering direction
• Strong expertise in system architecture, scalability, reliability, and performance optimization
• Deep experience with Python and modern backend development practices
• Experience with cloud platforms, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-code
• Strong understanding of CI/CD systems and developer productivity tooling
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex technical and organizational environments
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Interested in relocating to Canada? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in Canada page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

Bonus Points:

• Experience working on mission-critical or high-reliability systems
• Familiarity with satellite operations, ground systems, or aerospace environments
• Experience designing platform-level systems or internal developer platforms
• Strong background in observability, incident response, and reliability engineering
• Experience with event-driven and distributed messaging systems (Kafka, Pulsar, etc.)
• Knowledge of networking concepts and delay-tolerant networking
• Track record of improving engineering processes and organizational effectiveness

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.