FPGA Manager

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®, five years in a row!

Kepler is seeking an experienced FPGA Manager to lead the design, development, and deployment of FPGA-based systems that power Kepler’s satellite payloads and ground infrastructure. You’ll balance leadership, technical oversight, and team development while contributing to the execution of mission-critical programs. You will play a critical role in delivering high-reliability, radiation-tolerant, and performance-optimized digital systems for space applications.

Expected Time Breakdown:

• 50% - Team leadership and execution oversight
• 25% - Technical guidance and design input
• 15% - Recruiting and on-boarding
• 10% - Administrative and reporting

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and maintain a high-performing, geographically diverse FPGA team, fostering a collaborative culture that exemplifies Kepler’s Values

• Ensure the team has the tools, training, and support needed to deliver high-quality RTL designs

• Provide ongoing coaching, technical guidance, and career development through regular 1:1s and structured performance reviews

• Monitor day-to-day execution across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines

• Support hiring plans, lead interviews, and onboard new team member

• Own the FPGA development across the full lifecycle: Architecture, design, verification, bring-up, debugging, and deployment

• Partner with program and product leads to define scope, resourcing, and delivery milestones

• Support vendor selection for tools and IP, and guide make/buy decisions

• Own and drive adoption of the FPGA engineering design process, establishing and championing best practices for RTL design, simulation, verification, and CI/CD

• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and long-term technical strategy

Required Skills and Qualifications:

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

• 5+ years of experience in FPGA/RTL design and development with 3+ years of which were leading or managing engineering teams

• Track record of building healthy team culture and driving performance through clear expectations and feedback

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally

• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities and drive execution through ambiguity via agile development practices

• Proven ability to deliver complex hardware systems from concept to production

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with other teams both within and beyond the Engineering department

• Strong technical fundamentals in FPGA/RTL design

• Experience in SystemVerilog/Verilog or VHDL

• Experience with FPGA toolchains (e.g., Vivado, Quartus, Libero)

• Background in digital design fundamentals such as timing closure, high-speed interfaces (e.g., SERDES, PCIe, Ethernet), I/O planning, power management

• Experience with simulation and verification methodologies (e.g., UVM, testbenches, formal verification) and tools (e.g. Questa, VUnit, ALint Pro, Verilator, Verible, GHDL, IcarusVerilog)

Bonus Points:

• Experience with space-grade or radiation-tolerant FPGA design

• Experience with high-speed data pipelines and networking protocols

• Background in satellite communications, SDR, or DSP algorithms

• Familiarity with heterogeneous compute systems (e.g. MPSoC UltraScale+, Versal ACAP)

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for FPGA development

• Knowledge of scripting languages (Python, TCL, Bash) for automation

• Experience working in fast-paced startup or aerospace environments

• Familiarity with or certification in automotive/aerospace safety processes/standards

Why Kepler?:

• Work on cutting-edge space infrastructure and satellite technology

• Be part of a rapidly growing company shaping the future of space communications

• Collaborate with a highly skilled, mission-driven team

• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits

• Opportunities for growth and leadership in a scaling organization

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.