Mechanical Designer (Contingent)

About the role

Kepler Communications is building the future of on-demand space connectivity, with a focus on real-time internet access for space-based assets. The company has launched 33 satellites and operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, supporting continuous space communications along with on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

This opportunity is for a Mechanical Designer to take ownership of spacecraft mechanical subsystems, guiding them from early concept through qualification. The position is contingent upon program award.

The work spans mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing support, and subsystem integration to produce flight-ready hardware. You will collaborate closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams to build reliable, scalable solutions.

The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing performance, mass, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and cost. You should be equally confident in performing analysis, building hardware, leading technical conversations, and solving complex multidisciplinary challenges. This role also offers the chance to help shape the engineering practices, technical rigor, and culture that will support Kepler’s growth as a leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own spacecraft mechanical subsystems from concept development through qualification.
• Create and refine mechanical designs for flight hardware.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis to support design decisions.
• Build prototypes and support hardware verification activities.
• Assist with testing, manufacturing, and assembly integration efforts.
• Work across disciplines with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams.
• Balance technical trade-offs involving mass, performance, reliability, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.
• Contribute to the development of engineering standards and technical practices.

Requirements

• Strong background in mechanical design for spacecraft or similarly complex hardware systems.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and supporting manufacturing processes.
• Ability to carry out structural and thermal analysis.
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Capability to lead technical discussions and solve complex problems.
• Strong judgment in managing trade-offs among performance, mass, reliability, schedule, and cost.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including dependents.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave, and a company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
• Relocation support for approved roles.
• Annual professional development funding of $1,500.
• Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and appliances.
• Town halls, celebration calls, and company-wide events to stay connected.
• Recognition as a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years.

Additional information

Position status: Contingent upon program award.

Salary range: CAD 100,622 to CAD 150,622 per year.

Compensation note: Final total compensation will depend on job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, experience, performance, education, and training. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply even if their expectations differ from the stated range, as the range does not represent the full compensation package.

Employment equity and accommodation: Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Applicants who need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process may contact the People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space.

Recruitment process: Human recruiters are involved in every stage of hiring. AI-based tools may be used to help review applications at the initial screening stage by ranking candidates using job-relevant criteria; these tools support human judgment and do not replace it.