Solutions Architect at Kepler

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! Key Responsibilities: • Support customer meetings and provide architectural guidance and technical recommendations to promote Kepler offerings • Create and deliver customer-facing presentations and white papers to shape future opportunities, including technical risk identification, mitigation strategies, and recommendations for novel mission concepts • Develop feasibility assessments and back-of-the-envelope analyses to rapidly evaluate new mission concepts and customer requests, including high-level systems analysis, CONOPS simulations, and spacecraft accommodations • Own customer mission architecture trades across RF, optical, networking, link budgets, payload accommodations, spacecraft hardware/software interfaces, and ground systems; work hands-on with modeling tools (STK, MATLAB/Python, RF tools, optical link analysis) to quantify performance and validate concepts, including first-principles assessment of spacecraft accommodation constraints (structural, thermal, power, and field-of-view) to inform payload integration and mission feasibility • Optimize payload accommodation and mission architectures based on customer CONOPS, orbital parameters, and spacecraft attitude profiles, balancing performance, constraints, and system-level trade-offs • Serve as the technical integrator between customer needs and internal engineering teams, ensuring solutions are technically executable and aligned with product roadmap • Support early-phase system engineering activities, including requirements decomposition, interface definition, and preliminary architecture baselining • Lead technical writing of proposals, RFP/RFI responses, and other customer communications, translating ambiguous requests into clear engineering problem statements and solution pathways • Conduct competitive (black-hat) analyses to guide capture strategy and stay current with industry trends and emerging disruptors Required Skills & Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or related discipline • 5+ years of experience in satellite communications or aerospace systems, preferably including optical communications • Strong proficiency in spacecraft system-level analysis, requirements development, and payload accommodation/integration trades • Hands-on experience across multiple domains (e.g., RF systems, optical communications, spacecraft avionics, networking, mission design, or ground segment architecture) • Strong understanding of spacecraft accommodation constraints, including structural, thermal, power, and field-of-view considerations for hosted payloads • Experience performing payload integration trades and optimizing accommodation based on mission CONOPS and spacecraft attitude dynamics • Strong modeling and simulation skills • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, Fusion 360) for spacecraft or payload layout, interface definition, and accommodation visualization • Experience developing customer-facing technical materials, preferably in aerospace technical sales or mission engineering contexts • Experience with requirements development, CONOPS definition, and end-to-end system architecture • Ability to evaluate and defend technical trade-offs with data and sound engineering judgment • Familiarity with commercial and government aerospace procurement and proposal processes • Strong written and verbal communication skills Bonus Points: • Master’s degree in a STEM field • Experience in the New Space industry • Experience supporting early mission proposals, spacecraft concept studies, and technology maturation efforts • Experience working cross-functionally with both hardware and software engineering teams • Ability to build quick-turn technical models to assess concepts in hours or days, not weeks • Experience with spacecraft mechanical layout, CAD-based accommodation studies, or digital mock-ups for payload integration 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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact], and we will work with you to meet your needs.