About the Position

Structural Designer

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Company: Kepler Communications

Employment Type: Full-time Regular / Hybrid

About the Company

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 on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence 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!

Responsibilities

Structural Development & Ownership

Lead the structural development and verification of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production
Own subsystem-level structural development activities including structural modeling, design assessment, verification, testing, qualification, and risk reduction
Assess spacecraft hardware performance under static, dynamic, vibration, shock, deployment, and operational loading environments
Drive structural trade studies and influence design decisions using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment
Identify structural risks early and recommend design improvements that enhance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and qualification success
Demonstrate compliance with structural requirements through analysis, testing, and documented margins of safety

Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction

Develop and maintain structural models used to predict spacecraft and subsystem performance
Define structural verification strategies and success criteria aligned with mission requirements
Plan and execute qualification activities including vibration, static load, modal, shock, and other environmental test campaigns
Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence
Support hardware development teams by translating analysis findings into practical design recommendations
Lead root-cause investigations and drive complex technical issues through to resolution

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions
Facilitate technical discussions regarding structural performance, design trades, risks, and recommendations
Coordinate structural activities across stakeholders to ensure successful integration, verification, and delivery

Engineering Excellence

Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural engineering methods, analysis approaches, verification practices, and development workflows
Act as a peer reviewer, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical leadership within project teams
Promote a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning

Requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
4+ years of experience developing and verifying structural solutions for complex mechanical, aerospace, or spacecraft systems
Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, vibration, shock, fatigue, failure modes, and margins of safety
Experience developing and correlating structural models using simulation and physical testing
Experience assessing designs under static, dynamic, vibration, shock, deployment, and operational loading environments
Experience defining structural verification approaches and qualification strategies
Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
Experience with NASTRAN-based analysis environments such as Simcenter 3D, NX NASTRAN, FEMAP, MSC NASTRAN, or equivalent
Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent
Strong communication and documentation skills working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Comfortable operating in a hands-on development environment involving prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and hardware development

Bonus Points

Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, aerospace, or other mission-critical hardware
Experience assessing and managing structural interfaces between spacecraft platforms and customer payloads
Experience planning and executing environmental qualification testing and correlating results to analytical models
Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace structural engineering standards
Experience supporting hardware transition from development into production
Experience working with lightweight structures, deployable systems, mechanisms, or precision mechanical assemblies
Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction

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!

Salary Range

$100,622 - 150,622 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.

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.

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.

Structural Designer

Job description