Senior Director, On-board Software Development

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 50 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 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 fleet consists of 15 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite.

For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.comThe Senior Director, On-Board Payload Software, will plan, manage, and oversee all aspects of the On-Board Payload Software for the satellites in the Telesat Lightspeed system and build, lead, and manage multiple development teams and a program management team.

In addition, they will provide mentorship, guidance, and career development opportunities to team members and develop team strategies, goals, and plans in alignment with the company's objectives.

Main Responsibilities :

• Work with Engineering, Lightspeed PMO, System Team, Space Segment team, and Commercial teams at Telesat to understand the requirements for effective development, production and deployment of the On-Board Payload Software.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to the team members, ensuring that best practices are followed, and technical challenges are effectively addressed.
• Uphold and promote the company's culture, values, and standards within the team. Create an inclusive and positive working environment where every team member can thrive.
• Develop and present project status reports, highlighting accomplishments, challenges, and risks.
• Strategize and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Lead a geographically dispersed team, promoting effective communication, collaboration, and alignment across locations.
• Drive automation initiatives and champion quality assurance practices to enhance software development processes and product reliability.
• Organize team-building events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster team cohesion and professional growth.

Education and Experience required :

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of management experience in a software development environment, with flight software and / or embedded software focus.
• General knowledge of communication components, networks, satellite components such as modem, RF, electronics and antenna technologies are a plus.
• Significant experience managing multiple concurrent and interdependent programs.
• Experience in managing vendor development programs.
• Strong background in flight software and embedded software development and proficiency in Agile methodologies.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of building and managing successful software development teams.
• Ability to present and discuss program progress and any risks and discuss solutions to mitigate issues with the executive team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with management, engineering teams and partners / suppliers.
• Experience in dealing with business considerations and practical limitations related to system design and implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration and team motivation.
• Technical expertise in software engineering practices, including design, development, and testing.
• Experience working with international and geographically dispersed teams.
• Familiarity with automation practices and quality assurance methods.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Decision Making and Supervision :

• In this role, the individual will wield substantial influence over the trajectory of the Telesat Lightspeed program. They will be responsible for talent acquisition, fostering a constructive work atmosphere, and leveraging their extensive expertise to inform recommendations and decisions.
• This position leads a large development team and requires overseeing both direct and matrixed reports.

Working conditions :

• This role offers hybrid work environment (typically 3 days / week in Ottawa office).
• Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office environment.
• Occasional international travel is required.

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods program (CGP) .