---
title: 'Embedded Software Engineering Intern (January 2027) (4 months) at Kepler Communications'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/embedded-software-engineering-intern-january-2027-4-months-kepler-hztcgp9fr4fn'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Embedded Software Engineering Intern (January 2027) (4 months) at Kepler Communications

- **Company:** Kepler Communications
- **Location:** Toronto, Canada
- **Employment:** internship
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-19
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/kepler/2ad02ce3-1d56-4aee-9f1d-5199c780c0c1

## Job description

At Kepler Communications, 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:

- Build and operate real satellites!
- Get hands-on with cutting-edge space technology and real-world engineering challenges.
- Dedicated mentorship to support your learning and growth.
- Fun and collaborative work environment where you'll learn quickly and feel supported.
- Team-building events and opportunities to connect across the company.
- Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and top-notch kitchen appliances.
- Frequent in-office and company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.
- Make a direct impact on Kepler's growth and success.
- We’re a certified Great Place to Work® seven years in a row.

We invest heavily to deliver the best products to our customers, and so we’re on the hunt for a top-tier Embedded Software Engineering Intern who will have the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks, including satellite on-board software, payload software, IoT modules and ground equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design and develop reliable, high quality software related to: on board software for our next generation of satellites; Embedded Linux for both space and ground systems; Firmware and drivers; IoT modules
- Writing thorough tests and documentation
- Participating in software design review and code review processes
- Work with electrical, digital design, and operations teams to identify required features and solidify the system architecture

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- Demonstrated experience working in embedded systems
- Currently enrolled in a Computer Science or equivalent degree program
- Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms, testing and debugging
- Proficiency in C/C++, with general familiarity in embedded concepts (e.g., multitasking, real-time constraints, hardware interfaces) considered an asset; specific project work may vary
- Experience with embedded operating systems and build systems, including OpenEmbedded/Yocto and FreeRTOS
- Embedded Linux experience; user-space development most common, kernel or driver work possible depending on project needs
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to effectively use git
- 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
- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program and returning to studies after the internship
- Available for a full-time internship beginning January 2027 for 4 months.
- Work out of our new Toronto office (24 Ward Street)! This position is on-site at our Toronto office (24 Ward Street).

Bonus Points:

- Relevant experience with hobbies or University design team
- Python development experience
- Strong knowledge of computer networking and modern networking protocols
- Experience with RTL (Verilog and/or VHDL) and embedded SoCs
- Hardware debugging experience (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)

Hourly Rate Range: $29.75 to $39.00 CAD Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package. Job Type: This is for a current vacancy

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you require accommodation during 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.

## About Kepler Communications

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Building an internet-for-space communications infrastructure with a hybrid optical and RF satellite constellation for real-time data relay.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C, $92M raised)
- **Headquarters**: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- **Founded**: 2015
- **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed (founded by a group of graduate students)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Space communications / Satellite telecommunications
- **Target customers**: B2B, government (space agencies, defense), satellite operators (LEO and beyond)
- **Mission**: “Delivering on-orbit data at lightspeed… modernize communications to missions in LEO and beyond.”

## Products & Services
- **Kepler Network (Optical Data Relay Constellation)**: A hybrid optical and RF satellite network providing always-available, real-time connectivity for space-to-space, space-to-ground, and air-to-space communications. Supports SDA-compatible optical terminals, IP mesh networking, and hosted payloads. Data throughput up to 2.5 Gbps (Tranche 1), with 100 Gbps planned for Tranche 2.
- **RF Satellite Constellation**: A fleet of 21 RF satellites with proven flight heritage, offering global coverage for mission-critical communications.
- **Hosted Payloads & On-Orbit Compute**: Customers can host payloads on Kepler satellites and leverage on-orbit processing capabilities.
- **Priority Spectrum Holding**: Services that grant operators access to Kepler’s regulatory filings and spectrum rights.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue ~$13M (LinkedIn estimate) | Total Funding >$200M (since 2016)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: IA Ventures (lead, Series C), Costanoa Ventures, Canaan Partners, Tribe Capital, BDC Capital’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund; partners include Tesat-Spacecom, General Atomics, Cailabs, Space Development Agency (SDA)
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 28.7% YoY to 183 employees; launched first tranche of optical relay satellites (10 satellites) in January 2026; awarded prime position on SDA’s HALO contract (Oct 2024); demonstrated first bidirectional air-to-space optical link (Sept 2025) and space-to-ground optical laser link (May 2025); 39 active job postings (yearly increase of 160%).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: In-house production facility for satellite design, build, test, and deployment – rare among commercial space companies.
- **Patented Technology**: Tested and deployed on 33 satellites in orbit, providing proven flight heritage.
- **SDA Compatibility**: Built to SDA optical communication standards, enabling interoperability with any SDA-compatible spacecraft and eligibility for U.S. defense contracts.
- **IP Mesh Networking**: Demonstrated on-orbit networking using standard internet protocols, allowing multiple satellites to communicate over a single ground link.
- **First-Mover in Optical Data Relay**: One of the few commercial operators with an operational optical relay network in LEO.

## Strategic Focus
- **Deploy Tranche 2** (target ~2028) with 100 Gbps optical links, backward compatible with Tranche 1 and supporting both SDA and European ESTOL standards.
- **Expand on-orbit compute capacity** with higher GPU density for edge processing.
- **Grow defense and government customer base** through SDA contracts and international partnerships.
- **Scale the optical constellation** to provide global, always-available connectivity for space missions.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values drive, empathy, and agility; described as “passionate” and “collaborative” with a focus on making an impact in space communications.
- **Work Model**: Hybrid – full-time regular positions based in Toronto, Ontario. Some roles may require on-site presence for satellite production and testing.
- **Engineering Environment**: Vertical integration means engineers work across the full lifecycle – design, production, testing, and deployment – solving complex challenges in optics, RF, thermal management, and software.
- **Growth Trajectory**: Rapid headcount growth (28.7% YoY) and major contract wins signal strong momentum; 39 open positions across engineering, manufacturing, product, and program management.
- **Hiring Process**: Human recruiters are involved at every step; AI tools assist with initial screening but do not replace human judgment.
- **Diverse Team**: Employees across 10 countries, with a majority in Canada (65%) and growing presence in the US, UK, and Europe.

## Sources
1. [Kepler About Page](https://kepler.space/about/)
2. [Kepler Careers Page](https://kepler.space/careers/)
3. [LinkedIn Company Profile](https://linkedin.com/company/kepler-communications-inc-)
4. [Kepler Jobs on Lever](https://jobs.lever.co/kepler)
5. [New Space Economy Company Profile](https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2026/04/24/kepler-communications-company-profile/)

## Other roles at Kepler Communications

- [Senior Infrastructure Security Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-infrastructure-security-specialist-kepler-communications-toronto-v6mkbpwswdpk) — Toronto, Canada
- [Program Chief Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/program-chief-engineer-kepler-communications-toronto-q2jd3frjem4g) — Toronto, Canada
- [FPGA Digital Design Engineering Intern (January 2027) (4-16 months)](https://feeny.ai/job/fpga-digital-design-engineering-intern-january-2027-4-16-months-kepler-sqqxmza57sh9) — Toronto, Canada
- [Technical Buyer](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-buyer-kepler-communications-toronto-gba68nwyt7wv) — Toronto, Canada
- [Product Assurance Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/product-assurance-specialist-kepler-communications-toronto-fvdgf9jqyqqh) — Toronto, Canada
- [Electrical Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-design-engineer-kepler-communications-toronto-3e5rygcfkmbs) — Toronto, Canada
- [Senior Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-program-manager-kepler-communications-toronto-5pn2ap56p14e) — Toronto, Canada
- [Satellite Systems Designer - Analysis & Support](https://feeny.ai/job/satellite-systems-designer-analysis-support-kepler-communications-toronto-5280pqq3ymzc) — Toronto, Canada
- [Senior Satellite Systems Designer - Payload Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-satellite-systems-designer-payload-lead-kepler-communications-toronto-135awa2gek8r) — Toronto, Canada
- [Senior Satellite Systems Designer - Platform Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-satellite-systems-designer-platform-architect-kepler-communications-t5zqf717zmfw) — Toronto, Canada