Manager, Link Layer Testing

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 55 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 and Government 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 Satellite fleet consists of 12 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

The Manager, Link Layer Testing is responsible for leading the end‑to‑end integration, verification, and validation of the Lightspeed Link segment, including all ground‑to‑space and space‑to‑ground communications capabilities.

This role owns the planning, execution, and reporting of system‑level testing activities to ensure that Link functionality meets system requirements, performance objectives, and operational readiness criteria. The Manager will lead a team of verification and validation engineers and work closely with system engineering, payload, radio frequency, network, operations, and supplier teams to deliver high‑confidence system releases.

Resource is expected to be working onsite at Telesat HQ, 5 days per week

Key Accountabilities

Technical Leadership and Ownership

Own the integration, verification, and validation strategy for the Link segment across all program releases.

Lead Link end‑to‑end system testing spanning ground equipment, spacecraft, network control systems, and operational environments.

Define and maintain verification plans, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for Link capabilities.

Ensure full traceability from system and segment requirements to verification activities and test evidence.

Test Planning and Execution

Plan and execute laboratory, simulation, and integrated system tests to validate Link functionality and performance.

Lead system readiness activities supporting test readiness reviews, system readiness reviews, and operational readiness milestones.

Review and approve supplier test plans, test reports, and release documentation related to Link deliverables.

Drive issue identification, triage, root cause analysis, and closure in collaboration with engineering and supplier teams.

Team Leadership and People Management

Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing Link verification and validation team.

Assign priorities, manage workload, and ensure delivery against program milestones.

Provide technical coaching and mentorship to verification and validation engineers.

Support hiring, onboarding, and skills development to ensure the right capabilities are in place.

Cross‑Functional and Supplier Collaboration

Act as the primary verification and validation interface for Link‑related topics.

Partner closely with system engineering, payload engineering, radio frequency engineering, network engineering, operations, and program management teams.

Participate in design and technical reviews to ensure testability and verification coverage.

Communicate test status, risks, and results clearly to engineering leadership and stakeholders.

Certification and Compliance

Produce clear, traceable, and auditable verification evidence to support internal readiness decisions and external certification activities.

Ensure verification activities comply with organizational processes, quality standards, and governance requirements.

Education and Skills required

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.

Minimum 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or management role.

5+ years of experience managing a team of direct reports

Proven experience delivering system‑level integration and verification for complex, multi‑element systems.

Strong knowledge of satellite communications systems and ground‑to‑space communications architectures.

Experience with system integration and end‑to‑end testing of large‑scale telecommunications or aerospace systems.

Solid understanding of performance, availability, reliability, and operational behavior in complex systems.

Familiarity with laboratory environments, simulators, and test infrastructure.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Experience working with external suppliers and partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite constellations or large‑scale communications networks.
• Background in radio frequency systems, payload validation, or network performance testing.
• Experience supporting operational readiness, early operations, or in‑service validation.

Core Competencies

• Technical leadership and decision‑making
• Systems thinking and problem solving
• Planning, execution, and delivery discipline
• Collaboration and stakeholder management
• Mentorship and team development

Reliability and CGP clearance are required. 

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace.  We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process.   All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly.  We will work with you to meet your needs.   All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.