Kepler is on a Mission to bring the internet to space. Incorporated in 2015, Kepler’s guiding star is to enable the space economy through the creation of a communication network in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that will provide connectivity services to other space missions, be they on orbit in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond.  With an expanding base of early customers and our first 19 satellites in orbit, Kepler is continuing to grow and expand its most important asset – the Team! Based out of our HQ in Toronto and with an office in the UK and a newly formed office in the US we are building towards a truly global company delivering a product for the whole world.

As a KeplerProgram Director, you will own overall program execution and implement high-level program initiatives to drive our ÆTHER mission forward and maintain our upward trajectory of success and growth. Ultimately, if you are motivated by the desire to optimize productivity and nurture program success from inception to completion; you are flexible and adaptive to a rapidly evolving work environment.

As a Program Director you will partner closely with the engineering teams to move our space vehicle, payloads, and flight software from R&D into production. You will ensure the team is prepared for AI&T of the long-term constellation, perform due diligence on key vendors, oversee financial forecasting, and ensure completion of operationalization efforts required that span the full product lifecycle from concept through deployment (including hardware, software, firmware, test, and manufacturing).

Responsibilities:

• • As a leader, you will have a strong talent for project coordination and delegation for R&D teams spanning many different work streams.
  • You will lead a cross-functional program team to meet technical, schedule and budget requirements.
  • You will partner with engineering directors to establish programmatic objectives and perform capacity planning.
  • Working with functional managers and technical project managers to identify, secure and onboard resources for the program.
  • Identifying any barriers to successful program execution and escalating as appropriate.
  • Generating/managing program schedule and identifying milestones. Driving and tracking progress against program milestones.
  • Generating/managing program forecasts and identifying variance. Partnering closely with Finance to communicate causes to variance and mitigation strategies.
  • Attending and supporting technical sprint meetings and providing leadership support for key blockers and team risks.
  • Identify and manage program risks and opportunities, including prioritization, mitigation, escalation, and resolution.
  • Working closely with the systems engineering team to ensure the overall spacecraft ecosystem will meet mission objectives.
  • Working closely with the supply chain to ensure supply requirements are met throughout the lifecycle of the program. Assisting with critical vendor negotiations and strategic vendor management practices.
  • Ability to be rigorous about process, coaching and guiding to promote team alignment and forward velocity.

Requirements:

• • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or relevant technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in Program Management and/or Systems Engineering in a high reliability environment.
  • 10 years of managerial experience at a high level.
  • Experience with agile framework execution and best practices.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Experience with managing complex development programs.
  • Experience moving hardware and software from R&D to production.
  • Experience maintaining and reporting on program cost and budgets.

Bonus Points:

• • Knowledge and / or experience in Program Management for Space applications.
  • Knowledge and / or experience in Program Management for Microsatellites.
  • Knowledge and / or experience in RF components, conops, and interfaces.
  • Knowledge and / or experience in aerospace manufacturing.
  • Knowledge and / or experience in flight software development and programmatic needs.
  • Master of Business Administration or similar higher education.

Kepler Communications Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBT and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team,  to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.