---
title: 'Hardware Test Engineer - Contract 3+ Months at Kepler Communications'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-test-engineer-contract-3-months-kepler-communications-toronto-3hjy65hwrsa2'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-12'
---

# Hardware Test Engineer - Contract 3+ Months at Kepler Communications

- **Company:** Kepler Communications
- **Location:** Toronto, Canada
- **Employment:** contract
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-09-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-12
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/kepler/33d940e9-d693-4d75-a203-67d86dd0e46a

## 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:

- 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®, seven years in a row!

***This is a 3+ month Contract Assignment ***

We invest heavily to deliver the best products to our customers, and so we’re on the hunt for a Hardware Test Engineer who will architect and design test infrastructure to ensure reliability and top quality for all Kepler products.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design and implement test procedures, fixtures, and software for PCBs, subassemblies, and complete systems. Create both manual and automated test setups using lab and production-grade equipment. Develop and maintain test scripts to improve test efficiency and repeatability

- Develop comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test reports that align with design specifications and customer requirements. Maintain traceability and detailed records for auditing and continuous improvement

- Interface with electrical, firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to validate new designs, provide DFT (Design for Test) feedback, and resolve test issues across the development lifecycle. Support prototype bring-up and debug, assist with root cause analysis of test failures, and implement corrective actions

- Collaborate with hardware design teams early in the development cycle to provide DFT feedback, ensuring testability of PCBs and assemblies. Participate in design reviews for all active designs to ensure test requirements have been met

Required Skills & Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

- 4+ years of hands-on experience in hardware testing, design validation, or a related field

- Comfortable in a lab environment and experience using standard tools such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, VNAs, etc.

- 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 at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Bash, or C/C++)

- Ability to work in a team and independently with little supervision. Experience with one or more CAD tools (Altium, Eagle, Allegro, KiCad, Upverter, etc.)

- Ability to troubleshoot hardware issues, drive design decisions and implement well documented processes

- 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

Bonus Points:

- Knowledge and / or experience in design and / or testing for Space

- Test experience in a low volume + high complexity environment

Hourly Range: $50-88 hour 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 Contract

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

- [Technical Project Manager - Hardware](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-project-manager-hardware-kepler-communications-toronto-w5dnvjyg6q7s) — Toronto, Canada
- [Senior Infrastructure Security Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-infrastructure-security-specialist-kepler-communications-toronto-v6mkbpwswdpk) — Toronto, Canada
- [Embedded Software Engineering Intern (January 2027) (4 months)](https://feeny.ai/job/embedded-software-engineering-intern-january-2027-4-months-kepler-hztcgp9fr4fn) — 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
- [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