The Senior Systems and Software Architect will design, develop, and test embedded software systems for LEO satellites, collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
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
As an integral part of our scrum team, the Senior Systems and Software Architect will contribute significantly to the architecture, design, development, and testing of our cutting-edge Lightspeed Software. This role involves actively engaging with the development, test, and support teams to ensure comprehensive testing, efficient defect resolution, and high-quality deliverables. Additionally, the successful candidate will lead technical discussions, drive architectural decisions, and document technical outcomes clearly.
In this role, the Senior Systems and Software Architect will assume ownership of specific embedded systems software modules, overseeing their development, quality, testing, and functionality, while also contributing to the broader Telesat system architecture - ensuring seamless integration, high performance, scalability, reliability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced embedded and satellite ground segment software systems, ensuring performance, scalability, reliability, and security.
- Define and architect software solutions across the full stack, from embedded modules and board support packages to OS-level integration, system-wide services, external interfaces, and the management plane.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams – including systems engineers, product managers, software architects, and developers – to gather and translate requirements into coherent and robust technical architectures.
- Guide the team in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving complex issues at both the segment and system levels, providing architectural leadership during design reviews and critical investigations.
- Utilize modern software tools and practices – including virtualization, containerization, and cloud technologies – to streamline development, deployment, integration, and operations.
- Leverage software modeling tools and maintain comprehensive, well-organized documentation of architectures, design decisions, interface specifications, and development workflows.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, helping evolve software development processes, architectural standards, tools, and team collaboration strategies.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in embedded systems, networking, and satellite communications, integrating relevant advancements into system design and long-term technology roadmaps.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Over 15 years of experience in software development and testing, with a strong focus on embedded systems and real-time applications.
- Prior experience in a technical leadership or architecture role.
- Proven ability to design software considering hardware resource constraints and system-level integration.
- Strong understanding of system-level concepts, including fault management, performance monitoring, configuration management, networking, storage, operating systems, and cybersecurity considerations.
- Expert proficiency in modern C++ standards (C++14/17/20).
- Proficiency with the Linux operating system, including development, debugging, and performance optimization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of addressing complex technical challenges.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Collaborative mindset and effective contribution in cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
- Enthusiasm for continuous learning and adopting new technologies and development tools.
- Experience or strong understanding of satellite technology, ground segment operations, and associated technical challenges is highly desirable
DECISION MAKING & SUPERVISION
- This role has no direct reports but will collaborate closely and interact frequently with multi-disciplinary engineering teams
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This role offers hybrid work environment.
- Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office environment.
- International travel may be required
- The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods program (CGP).
#LI-CK1
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.
Top Skills
C++
Cloud Technologies
Containerization
Linux
Software Modeling Tools
Test-Driven Development (Tdd)
Virtualization
Telesat Ottawa, Ontario, CAN Office
160 Elgin St, Suite 2100, , , Ottawa, Ontario , Canada, K2P 2P7
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