Satellite Operations Specialist

About the role

Kepler Communications is building the future of space-based connectivity and aims to deliver real-time internet access for assets in orbit. The company operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation and supports continuous space communications, advanced onboard computing, and hosted payload capabilities. The team is made up of problem-solvers and builders who work on high-impact technology in a fast-moving environment.

As a Satellite Operations Specialist, you will work closely with engineers to operate, monitor, and improve a growing satellite constellation. The role centers on keeping spacecraft and the wider network healthy, preparing new spacecraft for launch and commissioning, and helping refine operating methods and automation tools.

Key responsibilities

Your work will include routine mission operations, issue handling, trend analysis, procedure development, and support across launch and commissioning activities. You will also contribute to process improvements, tooling, and technical investigations that help improve reliability and efficiency.

• Carry out day-to-day satellite operations to maintain spacecraft health, the network, and service continuity.
• Investigate anomalies and help restore service quickly when issues arise.
• Review telemetry trends and assess performance across spacecraft platforms and payloads.
• Build, refine, and improve operational processes to increase efficiency.
• Support preparation for spacecraft launch and commissioning.
• Help execute LEOP and commissioning activities for future spacecraft.
• Test spacecraft functionality during the development cycle.
• Contribute to spacecraft design studies, with attention to onboard autonomy and FDIR.
• Develop and update tools that automate operational work and improve reliability.
• Create and validate operating procedures for all mission stages.
• Handle, escalate, and resolve internal and customer-raised issues.
• Take part in a rotating weekly on-call schedule, including shift work and after-hours support, to monitor satellite and network health.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Understanding of LEO and sun-synchronous orbits and how they affect satellite operations.
• Familiarity with spacecraft command-and-control systems.
• Working knowledge of Python and comfort using Linux.
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations or testing, ideally with responsibility for subsystems or instruments.
• Ability to manage systems that involve multiple moving parts and operational constraints.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to use AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity and quality while adapting to evolving methods.
• Basic programming knowledge, with additional value given to Python or other scripting languages.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational habits.
• Comfort working under pressure.
• Flexibility to support operations through shift work and on-call duties, including evenings, nights, weekends, and other non-standard hours.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive pay with a strong equity component.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited time off, a supportive parental leave policy, and a company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Regular company social events, including semi-annual celebrations and frequent in-office activities.
• Relocation support for approved positions.
• An annual professional development budget of $1,500.
• A fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and quality appliances.
• Town halls, celebration calls, and other company-wide events to stay connected.
• Recognition as a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years.

Additional information

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you need accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, you may contact the People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space.

The company states that people make hiring decisions, with human recruiters involved throughout the process. AI-based tools may help with early application review by ranking candidates against job-related criteria, but they do not replace human judgment.