Manufacturing Engineer (Contingent)

Toronto, Canada

Full-Time

CAD $109,544 – CAD $134,544 per year

TLDR

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling and assembly for space hardware and satellites, collaborating across engineering teams under contingent program award.

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! Position Status: Contingent Upon Program Award Kepler is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to aid in the development of manufacturing processes, procedures and implement industry best practices to design and manufacture and assemble space products, payloads, and satellites.   This position requires collaboration with various engineering teams, participating in the hardware development phase, supporting new product development and new product introduction.  The successful applicant will have a diverse background establishing manufacturing, assembly, and integration documentation, with exposure to PCAs, RF, Optical or Mechanical assemblies. *Limited Travel may be required for this role, up to 5- 10% per year, mostly within Canada and USA Key Responsibilities:

Subject Matter Expert on manufacturing processes, systems, and methodologies for producing space hardware systems
Interface for engineering, production, and quality on hardware producibility and testing
Participate in the engineering design reviews and provide design feedback and solutions to the design team which will improve the manufacturing and assembly processes
Take ownership of the production process of your assigned products and be accountable for the design manufacturing transition and ongoing relationship
Analyze production flows, create production layouts and develop assembly & integration methods, tools, fixtures, and cell configuration
Identify risks prior to production kick off and mitigate them before flight model production begins
Aid in the development of manufacturing and test flows, manufacturing & test work instructions, and traceability records
Design or oversee the design of custom tooling or fixtures to improve the manufacturing process
Support capital requisitions and perform return on investment analysis for manufacturing tools and equipment
Provide support to Business Development team on bids and proposals, writing manufacturing plans and providing estimates and quotations

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Science or equivalent
4+ years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Familiar with material handling, kitting, assembly, inspection, and routing processes within a factory environment.
Experienced using CAD software reviewing drawings, models and designing parts, fixtures and tooling
Experience with manufacturing adjacent software systems such as ERP, MES, PLM and QMS systems
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
Proficient in DFM, DFA, FMEA and PFMEA processes
Experienced in supporting product failure investigations, material review boards and corrective action implementation
Understanding of the manufacturing processes involved in our supply chain – CNC machining, electroplating, PCB Assembly
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

Bonus Points:

Familiar working in Clean Room Environments
Experience working in space, aerospace or another highly regulated, high quality / low volume field
CAD Software Experience (Solidworks, ,Onshape, AutoCad or similar)
Familiarity with MES system, PLM and ERP Systems
Experience with RF hardware or RF test equipment
Experience integrating customer or 3^rd party payloads / equipment into in-house designs – ICDs, comms, power etc.
Experience in discrete manufacturing of physically large assemblies
Hands On experience with CNC machining and / or additive manufacturing

Salary Range: $109,544 - 134,544CAD

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.
Job Type: Contingent Upon Program Award

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 accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.

Free Meals & Snacks

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

Health Insurance

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

Learning Budget

$1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.

great place to work

Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

Paid Time Off

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

Remote-Friendly

Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.

Visa Sponsorship

Relocation packages available for approved roles.

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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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Manufacturing Engineer