Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications

Toronto, ON, Canada

Posted on May 6, 2026
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!
The Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering will lead the vision, development, execution, and continuous advancement of Kepler’s mechanical engineering organization across mechanical design, thermal & structural design and analysis, and mechanisms engineering. This leader will build and scale a world-class engineering organization developing next-generation spacecraft that push the boundaries of performance, manufacturability, and operational capability in orbit.
This role is for a deeply technical and transformational engineering leader who thrives on solving problems others consider impossible. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience developing advanced systems, including deployable structures, complex mechanisms, lightweight high-performance architectures, and systems operating under extreme thermal and environmental demands. They are energized by building entirely new classes of spacecraft enabled by advanced manufacturing, rapid design iteration, and first-principles engineering.
The successful candidate will drive the integration of next-generation technologies into Kepler’s satellite platforms and future products, pushing beyond conventional aerospace approaches to redefine what is possible in space systems engineering. They combine exceptional technical depth with visionary leadership and the ability to inspire large multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture defined by bold thinking, speed, rigor, and relentless innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

    Technical Leadership & Innovation

    • Lead and scale the mechanical engineering organization across mechanical architecture, structural & thermal design and analysis, and mechanisms disciplines

    • Drive the mechanical development of spacecraft featuring large-scale deployable systems, complex mechanisms, advanced thermal management solutions, and high-performance lightweight architectures

    • Oversee the design and integration of systems operating under extreme thermal loading, dynamic environments, and tightly constrained mass and volume requirements

    • Champion ambitious engineering solutions that challenge conventional aerospace constraints and significantly advance spacecraft capability, scalability, and manufacturability

    • Define and execute the technical vision and long-term roadmaps for next-generation spacecraft structures, thermal systems, mechanisms, and mechanical architectures aligned with Kepler’s future mission and platform strategy

    • Drive the adoption of advanced engineering approaches, development methodologies, and enabling technologies that keep Kepler at the forefront of spacecraft design, performance, manufacturability, and production scalability

    • Foster a culture rooted in first-principles engineering, rapid iteration, technical excellence, and innovation focused on solving exceptionally difficult problems

    • Evaluate and communicate technical, schedule, manufacturability, and cost trade-offs to align engineering investment decisions with company strategy and long-term business objectives

    • Influence long-term technology investment strategy, external partnerships, and supplier ecosystem development to maximize spacecraft capability, scalability, and competitive advantage

    Advanced Manufacturing & Product Realization

    • Build and lead an engineering organization that remains at the forefront of advanced design and manufacturing technologies

    • Continuously drive the evaluation, adoption, and application of emerging methodologies, tools, and production techniques from aerospace and adjacent high-performance industries

    • Drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, topology optimization, precision fabrication, and highly integrated assembly techniques

    • Promote engineering approaches that leverages rapid prototyping, iterative development, modern digital engineering practices, and rapid hardware iteration methodologies throughout the organization

    • Ensure spacecraft designs are optimized for manufacturability, reliability, assembly, integration, and test at scale

    • Lead the transition from prototype to scalable production for increasingly sophisticated spacecraft systems

    • Partner closely with manufacturing, systems engineering, and supply chain teams to accelerate development cycles into flight-ready hardware

    • Establish scalable engineering processes, verification methodologies, and development infrastructure that ensure program resilience, continuity, and repeatable delivery at an increasing production scale

    Organizational Leadership

    • Build, mentor, and scale high-performing engineering teams and leaders while recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent across multiple mechanical engineering domains

    • Establish engineering standards, development processes, and organizational structures that enable breakthrough innovation and disciplined execution

    • Drive strong cross-functional collaboration with systems, RF, electrical, software, avionics, payload, production, and mission operations teams

    • Balance technical risk, execution speed, reliability, and business priorities while enabling ambitious engineering outcomes

    • Align engineering roadmaps, organizational capacity, and technical priorities across multiple spacecraft programs and platform initiatives

    • Drive resource allocation and organizational prioritization to maximize execution efficiency and long-term platform scalability

    • Communicate technical strategy, execution status, risks, and trade-offs across executive leadership, customers, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders

    • Provide clarity, alignment, and decisive leadership in highly ambiguous and rapidly evolving technical environments

    • Drive the evolution of engineering tools, simulation environments, and digital infrastructure to support increasingly complex spacecraft development programs

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 developing spacecraft or aerospace systems with high mechanical complexity and demanding performance requirements

    • Strong background in advanced manufacturing technologies and scalable hardware production

    • Proven ability to lead and grow large engineering organizations delivering complex aerospace hardware

    • Demonstrated history of pushing technical boundaries and delivering innovative systems previously considered infeasible

    • Passion for building the next generation of space infrastructure and enabling transformative capabilities in orbit

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.
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