Director, Research & Development, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions (Canada)

Director, Research & Development, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions (Canada)

11 Sep
|
Telesat
|
Canada

11 Sep

Telesat

Canada

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.

Are you passionate about breakthrough technologies and eager to shape the future of satellite-based solutions for defence and national security? At Telesat, we’re redefining satellite communications through our cutting-edge Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network, Telesat Lightspeed. As R&D; Director, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions, you will lead the development of advanced, mission-driven satellite capabilities tailored to the evolving needs of Canadian and allied defence users.

This includes identifying emerging operational requirements, architecting secure and resilient technical solutions, overseeing prototyping and validation,



and driving commercialization of capabilities such as Space Domain Awareness, Alternative PNT, Optical Communications, and more. This strategic role operates at the intersection of technology, defence policy, and innovation, ensuring Telesat remains a trusted partner in space-based national security. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, a valid Top Secret security clearance is required.

Lead Mission-Centric engineering development efforts: Drive the full lifecycle of defence-focused satellite solutions from concept development and technical design to testing, validation, and deployment.

Conduct Strategic Defence Research: Analyze trends in defence platforms, operational concepts, and procurement strategies across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. Identify capability gaps and innovation opportunities.

Design and develop technical architecture: Prototype and Validate Innovations: Work with other engineering teams within Telesat to oversee the development of recent capabilities to ensure they meet performance, security, and reliability standards. Apply advanced technologies—such as AI/ML, optical links, and secure networking to enhance the Telesat Lightspeed constellation’s defence value proposition.

Align





Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Sales (Canada, Global, Government Solutions) and Product to ensure alignment with customer missions and Telesat’s strategic roadmap.

Represent Telesat in Strategic Forums: Act as a technical ambassador at defence industry events, customer engagements, and demonstrations, showcasing Telesat’s leadership in secure satellite communications.

Technical Leadership: Proven track record in developing and deploying advanced technical solutions for defence and national security customers.

Strategic Acumen: Ability to connect technical innovation with business strategy and policy objectives. Skilled in presenting complex concepts to diverse audiences, including military stakeholders and technical teams. Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering (Electrical, Telecommunications, Networking, Computer Science), Physics, or equivalent. ~Expertise in satellite, RF, optical, and associated networking technologies (including OSI Layers 1–3, NTN systems, MEF among others) ~ Demonstrated success in product development and commercialization ~ Willingness to travel domestically and internationally ~ Regular travel to customer sites and industry events. ~ Must be eligible to work in Canada and obtain a Top Secret security clearance. #We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process.

All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential. #

📌 Director, Research & Development, Defence Satellite Mission Solutions (Canada)
🏢 Telesat
📍 Canada

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