Director, Defence System Engineering

Telesat • Ottawa, Eastern Ontario • 2d ago

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 14 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.com [http://www.telesat.com/]

The Director, will lead the strategic development and execution of space defence missions. This role is pivotal in aligning Telesat Lightspeed capabilities with the evolving needs of Canadian and allied defence organizations, including NATO and NORAD. Areas of focus will be non-geostationary satellite constellations, advanced national sovereign and security payloads or other hosted payloads, new waveforms, Earth observation, space situational awareness, Alt PNT, space relay, radar and next-generation frequency bands.

Reporting to the SVP Canadian Sales, the Director, Defence Missions and Advanced Solutions is accountable to identify and carry out opportunity assessments as they relate to defence missions and advanced solutions to determine their benefits to Telesat as well as their overall commercial and technical viability. The incumbent will also prime the development of those systems that are deemed worth pursuing.

Main Responsibilities:

Collaborate with defence stakeholders to design and deliver advanced SATCOM solutions that support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Command and Control (C2), and Communications on the Move (COTM) or other relevant services.
Identification, research and investigation of opportunities for the company to expand its satellite services in either traditional or non-traditional areas as non-geostationary satellites and constellations; weather, earth observation, scientific, military and mobile systems and new frequency bands. In short, pursuing areas of growth for Telesat in the satellite arena.
Outreach and liaison with industry, researchers and academia, government influencers to identify opportunities and a path to bring new business models to fruition.
Investigations to include technical, financial, economic and regulatory analysis as well as the recommendation for pursing the opportunity through academia, proposed business arrangements, government partnerships.
Coordination with Telesat Lightspeed Space and Engineering, product marketing, regulatory, sales and Telesat Government Solutions to develop commercialization plans demonstrating real and long-term business viability and sustainability.
Development of action plans and funding proposals to pursue the identified areas of promising business, as required
Provide expertise and support to Telesat sales teams, Telesat Government Solution affiliate and business development teams.

Experience and Education Required:

Masters or PHD Engineering with business experience or equivalent would be an asset
15 year's experience in a similar role
Proven experience in defence operations, space systems, or secure communications—preferably with an enterprise that supplies strategic solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces or allied military organizations
Strong understanding of government procurement processes and defence technology ecosystems
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects in high-security environments
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance (Top Secret or higher)

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.