Director of Product - Platform, Payload & Services

At Kepler Communications, we are leading the future of on-demand space connectivity. 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, supporting advanced on‑orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

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 designed to recognize and reward your contributions.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.
• 401(k) and an annual Wellness Allowance.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company‑wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi‑annual company‑wide parties and regular virtual and team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• Town halls, Celebration Calls and frequent company‑wide events to stay connected and engaged.
• Great Place to Work certification (five years in a row at our Canadian headquarters).

Key Responsibilities

• Product Strategy & Vision: Lead product strategy for ISR use cases across Kepler’s platform, payload, and space infrastructure services, enabling real‑time data relay, tasking, and delivery for defense and commercial customers.
• Define and scale end‑to‑end ISR product offerings by integrating payload capabilities, space‑based communications, and ground/dataset services to support low‑latency, mission‑critical intelligence workflows.
• Drive development of ISR‑focused solutions that leverage Kepler’s platform for persistent connectivity, rapid data downlink, and in‑mission responsiveness across distributed space assets.
• Define and drive the product vision and long‑term strategy across Kepler’s product portfolio and translate company objectives into clear, actionable product initiatives.
• Identify new market opportunities across Europe and globally, including government, commercial, and defense sectors, and act as a key voice of the customer, incorporating feedback into product evolution.
• Roadmap Ownership: Own and maintain integrated roadmaps for Kepler’s four product lines, ensuring alignment with company priorities; balance short‑term delivery with long‑term innovation across data relay services, hosted payload solutions, real‑time connectivity solutions, mission‑specific service offerings, and emerging/next‑gen capabilities; drive prioritization decisions based on customer value, technical feasibility, and business impact; ensure cross‑product coherence while maximizing platform leverage.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Partner closely with engineering, solutions architects, sales, and commercial operations teams to deliver products successfully; lead cross‑functional planning processes, including quarterly and annual product planning, and collaborate with go‑to‑market teams to ensure successful launches and adoption.
• Execution & Delivery: Oversee execution from concept through launch and iteration, establishing clear success metrics for each product line; ensure timely delivery while managing risk in a highly technical, hardware‑software integrated environment.
• Market & Customer Engagement: Build strong relationships with European, Canadian, and US customers, partners, and regulatory stakeholders; represent Kepler at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements; monitor competitive landscape and industry trends to inform strategy.
• Leadership & Growth: Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer focus; help scale product processes and best practices as Kepler grows.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Product Management, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
• BS/BA in engineering, business, or a related field.
• Experience working with Canadian, US, and European commercial and defense customers, regulators, or markets.
• Proven experience owning complex product portfolios or multiple product lines.
• Strong track record of building and executing product roadmaps in technical domains.
• Experience working in space, satellite, defense, or deep‑tech industries.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally in global, distributed teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity across teams.
• 15‑25% travel within Europe and North America with travel to Kepler HQ in Toronto.

Bonus Points

• Familiarity with satellite communications, networking, or mission operations.
• MBA or advanced degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• Ability to collaborate across time zones with teams in North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kepler is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require accommodation at 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.

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