Mechanical Designer (Contingent)

Kepler Communications • Toronto, ON

9d • CA$100,622 - CA$150,622 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Mechanical Designer to lead the development and verification of spacecraft mechanical subsystems. This role combines mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing support, and subsystem integration to deliver flight-ready hardware. The successful candidate will own complete spacecraft mechanical subsystems from concept through qualification, working closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop robust and scalable solutions. The ideal candidate thrives in environments where performance, mass, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and cost must all be balanced to achieve mission success. They are equally comfortable performing analysis, building hardware, leading technical discussions, and solving complex multidisciplinary problems. This role is an opportunity to directly influence the next generation of Kepler spacecraft while helping establish the engineering practices, technical rigor, and culture that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience developing mechanical systems from concept through validation
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, mechanical design, and hardware integration
• Experience performing structural and thermal analyses supported by simulation and physical testing
• Experience with one or more CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, aerospace, or other mission-critical hardware
• Experience with Simcenter 3D, Simcenter/NX NASTRAN, Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, or equivalent analysis tools
• Experience leading subsystem-level qualification and verification activities
• Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace structural, thermal, and design standards
• Experience supporting hardware transition from development into production
• Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of spacecraft mechanical subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production
• Own subsystem-level mechanical development activities including mechanical design, structural analysis, thermal analysis, integration, verification, testing, and qualification
• Drive technical trade studies and design decisions using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment
• Balance subsystem performance, mass, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and cost objectives throughout development
• Demonstrate compliance with subsystem requirements through analysis, testing, and documented margins of safety
• Develop and maintain structural and thermal models used to predict hardware performance and guide design decisions
• Define verification strategies and success criteria aligned with system requirements and mission objectives
• Plan and execute prototype builds, environmental testing, and qualification campaigns to reduce technical risk and validate design performance
• Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive complex technical issues through to resolution
• Work closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions
• Facilitate technical discussions across disciplines, clearly communicating design intent, trade-offs, risks, and recommendations
• Coordinate subsystem activities across stakeholders to ensure successful integration, verification, and delivery
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, design methodologies, analysis approaches, and verification practices
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level