Job description
Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 50 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.
Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
The company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 15 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com
Telesat believes in the power of collaboration and the value of in-person interactions. This is why our employees generally work from the office Tuesday - Thursday, leaving Monday and Friday for choice and flexibility to work where you feel most effective. This setup fosters brainstorming, problem-solving, and trusted relationships and allows our employees to come together three days a week to collaborate, innovate and thrive!
Purpose of Job
- Seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Director of Engineering to lead a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts (SMEs) across RF, Antenna Systems, Modems, User Terminal (UT), Landing Station (LS) Systems, and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. This role is central to the development and integration of advanced satellite communications infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across internal software teams, external development partners, and cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring deep domain expertise, strategic leadership, and exceptional communication skills to drive innovation and ensure seamless system delivery.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor SMEs in RF, antenna, modem, UT/LS systems, and LEO constellation technologies.
- Foster a high-performance engineering culture focused on innovation, accountability, and delivery.
- Ensure effective coordination between SMEs and internal software development teams.
- Facilitate technical alignment between hardware SMEs, internal software engineering teams, and external development partners.
- Drive cross-functional integration across engineering, product, operations, and business units.
- Champion stakeholder alignment to ensure engineering priorities support broader organizational goals.
- Provide strategic guidance on system architecture, design, and integration of UT/LS and LEO systems.
- Oversee engineering activities related to LEO constellation deployment, link budgets, and dynamic network behavior.
- Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, and design validation processes.
- Support program execution across satellite initiatives, including LEO and hybrid constellations.
- Manage vendor relationships and ensure technical compliance, quality, and performance.
- Lead technical evaluations and support procurement decisions for UT/LS and LEO-related components.
- Drive the technology roadmap for UT/LS systems and LEO constellation integration.
- Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies such as beamforming, phased arrays, and advanced waveform modems.
- Contribute to long-term planning for scalable, resilient, and high-throughput satellite networks.
- Ensure engineering practices meet industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITU, FCC, ETSI).
- Support certification, testing, and interoperability efforts for LEO-capable terminals and ground systems.
- Communicate technical progress, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
- Represent the engineering organization in strategic discussions and cross-functional planning forums.
Education & Experience Required
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 15+ years of experience in satellite communications, with at least 10+ years in progressive leadership roles
- Proven expertise in RF systems, antenna design, modem technologies, UT/LS architecture, and LEO satellite constellations.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and interfacing with software development organizations and external partners.
- Familiarity with standards such as DVB-S2X, 5G NTN, MEF, networking and relevant ITU/ETSI specifications.
- Experience in satellite operator environments and managing complex technical programs.
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven ability to drive cross-functional alignment and collaboration.
- Effective problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency in engineering tools, simulation platforms, and project management systems.
Decision Making & Supervision
- In this role, the incumbent will have significant impact on the UT and LS programs, and will assist in system decisions, vendor management, impact on UT and LS designs
- In this role, candidates will need to make recommendations and decisions based on applicable experience.
- This role has direct reports, as the role will manage a number SMEs working on variety of technical topics.
Working Conditions
- This position is a hybrid working environment in either our Ottawa or Bethesda offices
- Travel to Canada and international travel is anticipated (for vendor design reviews and executive project reviews); therefore, candidates will need to maintain an up-to-date passport and remain legally able to travel internationally
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