Kepler Communications

Software Designer

Thaba Chweu, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, Telecommunications, Satellite TechnologyIndustries

Software Designer

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

Position Overview

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team! We’re on the hunt for a top-tier Software Designer who will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-performance backend services and infrastructure. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to build scalable applications that support the development, testing, and operation of our satellites and mission control software.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop reliable, high-quality software related to operating Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software automation.
  • Ensuring system performance, security, and high availability through best practices.
  • Collaborate with satellite operators, product managers, and customers to deliver mission critical ground systems.
  • Build and optimize CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment and improve development workflows.
  • Monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and proactively implement improvements.
  • Help develop roadmaps and long-term technical plans for Kepler’s ground segment.
  • Mentor junior developers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.

Requirements

  • Minimum 6+ years of Python experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent.
  • Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms, system architecture, testing, and debugging.
  • Expertise in building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins.
  • Experience with containerized software (Docker, Kubernetes, K8s) and infrastructure-as-code (Ansible, Terraform, etc.).
  • Ability to operate in a Linux-based environment.
  • Ability to effectively use git.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Bonus Points

  • Post-graduate degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience with architecting and deploying on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.).
  • Proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, etc.).
  • Familiarity with Python development tools such as uv, pytest/unittest, setuptools, SWIG, and C-extensions.
  • Strong knowledge of computer networking and modern networking protocols, especially delay-tolerant networking.
  • Experience with event-driven architectures (Apache Pulsar, AWS SNS/SQS, Kafka, RabbitMQ).
  • Familiarity with observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, TimescaleDB, ELK stack).
  • Knowledge of security best practices in software development.

Company Information

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.

Skills

Python
Software Design
Backend Services
Infrastructure
Scalable Applications
Satellite Network
Mission Control Software
CI/CD
GitLab CI
GitHub Actions
Jenkins
Docker
Kubernetes
System Architecture
Testing
Debugging
System Performance
Security
High Availability

Kepler Communications

Provides real-time space communication services

About Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications provides continuous connectivity for space missions through its comprehensive infrastructure known as The Kepler Network. This network includes constellations, ground stations, and communication solutions that enhance telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) capabilities. By utilizing intersatellite links and increasing data downlink capacity, Kepler enables seamless access to on-orbit data for clients such as satellite operators and space stations. The company offers various communication services, including S Band, Ku Band, and Optical services, which help to address gaps in space communications. Unlike its competitors, Kepler simplifies the process for its customers by handling regulatory filings, allowing them to focus on their missions. The goal of Kepler Communications is to make space-generated data universally accessible and to support human exploration beyond Earth.

Toronto, CanadaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$168.4MTotal Funding
SERIES_CCompany Stage
Data & Analytics, AerospaceIndustries
51-200Employees

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Amazon's Project Kuiper poses a competitive threat with its optical mesh network.
Wyvern's US expansion could impact Kepler's market share in satellite services.
Rapid OISL advancements by competitors may outpace Kepler's technological offerings.

Differentiation

Kepler offers real-time connectivity for space missions, unlike traditional intermittent satellite links.
Their Global Data ServiceTM packs more Mbps into nanosatellites than competitors.
Kepler's everywhereIoTTM provides low-cost, bi-directional narrowband satellite service for global IoT connectivity.

Upsides

Kepler's $92M funding round highlights strong investor confidence in their satellite network.
ESA's contract with Kepler opens doors for collaborations with major space agencies.
Growing interest in OISL technology could enhance Kepler's network capabilities.

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