Senior Systems Engineer – Flight Software / Fault Management

Toronto, Canada

Full-Time

On-site

TLDR

Lead system-level definition and delivery for spacecraft capabilities, focusing on flight software, fault management, and ensuring system design coherence for mission requirements.

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! As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead system-level definition and delivery in areas where spacecraft architecture, flight software, fault management, and operations intersect. You will play a key role in translating mission and spacecraft needs into clear software, operational, and verification requirements, while ensuring that fault responses, redundancy strategies, and reliability considerations are reflected coherently in the system design. This role is intended for a senior individual contributor with deep expertise in either flight software-facing systems engineering or FDIR/FMECA-driven system architecture. You will work closely with software, avionics, operations, and verification teams to define requirements, review technical solutions, develop verification approaches, and provide systems sign-off for critical deliveries. Success in this role comes from strong technical judgment, the ability to articulate and defend design decisions, and a pragmatic approach to delivering robust spacecraft capabilities at pace. This aligns well with the team’s hands-on, lifecycle-spanning systems mandate and emphasis on pragmatic systems thinking, disciplined delivery, and cross-functional execution. Key Responsibilities:

Lead system definition and delivery for spacecraft capabilities with strong interaction between flight software, spacecraft behavior, fault management, and operations
Develop, refine, and manage system, software, and operational requirements, ensuring clear traceability from architecture through verification and validation
Serve as the primary systems engineering interface to the flight software team for assigned work packages: clarify intent, decompose requirements, review implementation approaches, and assess requirement coverage and closure
Translate mission, spacecraft, and operational needs into clear and testable flight software requirements
Review flight software deliverables from a systems perspective and support sign-off of software releases or functional deliveries based on requirement compliance, architectural intent, and verification evidence
Define and mature FDIR concepts and architectures, including fault detection logic, fault responses, recovery strategies, mode transitions, saving behavior, and operator interactions
Perform or lead FMECA and related analyses to identify failure modes, single-point failures, mitigation strategies, and rationale for redundancy or non-redundancy
Drive the translation of fault management, reliability, and CONOPS decisions into actionable software, spacecraft, and operational requirements
Lead or support cross-functional trade studies and design reviews related to autonomy, fault tolerance, software behavior, system robustness, and mission operations
Develop and review verification strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria for software-enabled functions and fault-management features
Partner closely with Verification & Validation to ensure test coverage, traceability, and verification evidence are sufficient to support system closure and readiness decisions
Support integration, test, commissioning preparation, anomaly investigation, and operational readiness activities related to software-driven and fault-management-driven capabilities
Mentor junior and intermediate engineers in requirements decomposition, systems thinking, and practical application of robust systems engineering methods

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, avionics or software-facing systems engineering, or similar technical leadership roles in complex aerospace systems
Deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- flight software-facing systems engineering, including requirements definition, decomposition, implementation review, verification planning, and delivery acceptance; or
- FDIR, FMECA, and fault-management architecture, including redundancy philosophy, failure management strategies, and reliability-informed design justification
- Demonstrated experience in owning, developing, and managing system, software, and operational requirements for complex spacecraft functions
- Strong experience collaborating and coordinating with flight software, avionics, operations, and V&V teams in an integrated spacecraft development environment
- Experience defining CONOPS and translating them into technical requirements, software behavior, and operational workflows
- Experience reviewing technical implementations and verifying that delivered solutions satisfy system intent and are testable, traceable, and operationally usable
- Strong understanding of spacecraft architecture, subsystem interactions, and nominal and off-nominal system behavior
- Experience developing or reviewing verification plans, test cases, and requirement closure evidence for integrated spacecraft systems
- Working knowledge of communications protocols, command and telemetry architectures, and interface definition principles relevant to onboard software and subsystem integration
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in system-level troubleshooting, architectural trade studies, and risk-informed decision-making
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions, fault-management approaches, and technical rationale to cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Ability to adapt quickly and contribute effectively in a multi-program environment with evolving priorities and varying levels of system maturity

Bonus Points:

Familiarity with aerospace standards related to onboard data handling, communications, and software/system interfaces, including ECSS-related standards and SAVOIR, along with exposure to software development processes and Agile development methods where applicable
Experience using AI-enabled tools, automation, or agentic AI workflows to support engineering processes, along with curiosity and initiative to explore how these approaches can improve systems engineering activities such as requirements development, traceability, analysis, review, and documentation
Experience with spacecraft modes, autonomy, safing strategies, and onboard fault response design
Familiarity with reliability analysis, RAMS, and mission assurance methods
Experience with spacecraft integration, environmental testing, and verification campaign execution
Experience supporting LEOP, commissioning, anomaly response, or on-orbit operational support
Familiarity with broader aerospace systems standards and guidance such as ECSS or NASA frameworks
Experience with Python, Matlab, simulation environments, or test automation tools used to support systems analysis and verification

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 [email protected], and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.

Fully stocked kitchen

Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.

Paid Time Off

Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.

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Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, delivering real-time Internet access for space-based assets. Our service is tailored for industries involved in space exploration and satellite communications, empowering them with continuous connectivity to enhance their data-driven initiatives.

Founded: Founded 2015
Employees: 11-50 employees
Industry: Diversified Telecommunication Services
Total raised: $5.1M raised

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Senior Systems Engineer

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