Structural Designer

Job description

**At [Kepler Communications](https://kepler.space/), we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - *we're leading it!*** Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With **33 satellites launched to date,** Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. **What sets Kepler apart is our team:** bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. 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** 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. **\* We’re a certified [Great Place to Work](https://www.greatplacetowork.ca/en/certification-menu/certified-organizations-updated#certified-organizations2/view-sub-list-details70/5f3438830d6f2900170827a4/)**®, seven years in a row! We are seeking a **Structural Designer** to lead the structural development and verification of spacecraft subsystems. This role combines structural analysis, mechanical design influence, hardware development, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure spacecraft systems survive launch, deployment, and operational environments while meeting demanding performance, mass, and reliability requirements. The successful candidate will own structural performance from concept through qualification, working closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop robust and scalable solutions. The ideal candidate thrives in environments where performance, mass, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and cost must all be balanced to achieve mission success. They are equally comfortable developing analytical models, interpreting test data, influencing design decisions, and solving complex multidisciplinary challenges. This role is an opportunity to directly influence the next generation of Kepler spacecraft while helping establish the engineering practices, technical rigor, and structural engineering capability that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure. ### Key Responsibilities: **Structural Development & Ownership** - Lead the structural development and verification of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production - Own subsystem-level structural development activities including structural modeling, design assessment, verification, testing, qualification, and risk reduction - Assess spacecraft hardware performance under static, dynamic, vibration, shock, deployment, and operational loading environments - Drive structural trade studies and influence design decisions using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment - Identify structural risks early and recommend design improvements that enhance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and qualification success - Demonstrate compliance with structural requirements through analysis, testing, and documented margins of safety **Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction** - Develop and maintain structural models used to predict spacecraft and subsystem performance - Define structural verification strategies and success criteria aligned with mission requirements - Plan and execute qualification activities including vibration, static load, modal, shock, and other environmental test campaigns - Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence - Support hardware development teams by translating analysis findings into practical design recommendations - Lead root-cause investigations and drive complex technical issues through to resolution **Cross-Functional Collaboration** - Work closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions - Facilitate technical discussions regarding structural performance, design trades, risks, and recommendations - Coordinate structural activities across stakeholders to ensure successful integration, verification, and delivery **Engineering Excellence** - Contribute to the continuous improvement of structural engineering methods, analysis approaches, verification practices, and development workflows - 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 ### Required Skills & Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent - 4+ years of experience developing and verifying structural solutions for complex mechanical, aerospace, or spacecraft systems - Strong understanding of structural mechanics, dynamics, vibration, shock, fatigue, failure modes, and margins of safety - Experience developing and correlating structural models using simulation and physical testing - Experience assessing designs under static, dynamic, vibration, shock, deployment, and operational loading environments - Experience defining structural verification approaches and qualification strategies - 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 - Experience with NASTRAN-based analysis environments such as Simcenter 3D, NX NASTRAN, FEMAP, MSC NASTRAN, or equivalent - Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent