Staff Backend Software Developer

Kepler Communications • Toronto, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Software Developer to lead the design and evolution of Kepler’s backend systems and platform architecture. This role operates at a company-wide level, driving technical strategy, enabling cross-team execution, and ensuring that our systems scale to meet the growing demands of Kepler’s satellite network and mission control operations. As a Staff Developer, you will work across multiple teams to solve complex technical challenges, guide architectural decisions, and improve engineering effectiveness. You will play a key role in shaping long-term technical direction while ensuring near-term delivery remains efficient and aligned.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend systems
• Proven experience designing and operating large-scale, distributed systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-team technical initiatives and influence engineering direction
• Strong expertise in system architecture, scalability, reliability, and performance optimization
• Deep experience with Python and modern backend development practices
• Experience with cloud platforms, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-code
• Strong understanding of CI/CD systems and developer productivity tooling
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex technical and organizational environments
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on mission-critical or high-reliability systems
• Familiarity with satellite operations, ground systems, or aerospace environments
• Experience designing platform-level systems or internal developer platforms
• Strong background in observability, incident response, and reliability engineering
• Experience with event-driven and distributed messaging systems (Kafka, Pulsar, etc.)
• Knowledge of networking concepts and delay-tolerant networking
• Track record of improving engineering processes and organizational effectiveness

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of large-scale backend systems supporting Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software
• Drive architectural decisions that span multiple teams and services, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
• Identify and lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives, including system-wide performance improvements, reliability efforts, and platform standardization
• Partner with product, operations, and leadership to translate business opportunities into technical strategy and execution plans
• Define and improve engineering processes, development workflows, and operational practices across teams
• Own and guide long-term technical roadmaps, balancing immediate delivery needs with strategic investments
• Act as a technical authority and advisor, providing guidance on complex system design, tradeoffs, and risk management
• Mentor senior engineers and help grow technical leadership across the organization
• Drive alignment across teams by influencing without authority and building consensus on technical direction

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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed