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®...
Responsibilities:
•
Thermal Development & Ownership
•
Lead the thermal development of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production
•
Own subsystem-level thermal development activities including thermal architecture, thermal modeling, thermal control design, verification, testing, and qualification
•
Design and evaluate thermal control solutions including conductive, radiative, and passive thermal management approaches
•
Define thermal requirements, operating limits, and thermal performance margins throughout the development lifecycle
•
Demonstrate compliance with thermal requirements through analysis, testing, and documented margins of safety
•
Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction
•
Develop and maintain thermal models used to predict spacecraft and subsystem thermal performance
•
Define thermal verification strategies and success criteria aligned with mission requirements
•
Establish orbital thermal boundary conditions and environmental assumptions used in thermal analyses
•
Plan and execute thermal test campaigns to validate performance and reduce technical risk
•
Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence
Requirements:
•
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
•
4+ years of experience developing thermal solutions for complex mechanical, aerospace, or spacecraft systems
•
Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermo-optical radiation, thermal control systems, and spacecraft thermal environments
•
Experience developing and correlating thermal models using simulation and physical testing
•
Experience defining thermal requirements, operating limits, and verification approaches
•
Experience with one or more thermal analysis platforms such as Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent
•
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 CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent
•
Understanding of design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test principles
•
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