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Senior Director – LEO Satellite Operations Location: Canada (Hybrid – relocation support available)

Holt Executive are pleased to be partnered with a leading global satellite communications organisation supporting a critical senior leadership hire within LEO satellite operations.

This role will take overall responsibility for the development, deployment and long-term operation of a next-generation LEO satellite constellation. The successful candidate will lead the definition of operational concepts, oversee SOC system development, and build and mentor a high-performing satellite operations team through all mission phases — from launch and orbit raising to in-service operations and end-of-life disposal.

Key Responsibilities – Senior Director, LEO Satellite Operations

• Lead the definition and delivery of the Satellite Operations Concept for a LEO constellation
• Oversee SOC system requirements including command & telemetry, flight dynamics, SSA, automation and analytics
• Manage supplier selection and make/buy decisions aligned to schedule, budget and risk
• Collaborate closely with satellite manufacturers to support operations readiness and procedures
• Lead development, validation and deployment of SOC systems and processes
• Build, structure and mentor a new Satellite Operations organisation
• Define operational schedules, identify risks and drive mitigation strategies
• Oversee on-orbit operations across LEOP, orbit raising, validation and steady-state service
• Drive automation to ensure efficient, reliable and scalable constellation operations

Key Experience Required – Senior Director, LEO Satellite Operations

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics
• 20+ years’ experience in spacecraft operations systems and on-orbit operations
• Proven leadership experience within MEO or LEO satellite constellation operations
• Strong expertise in satellite control systems, flight dynamics and space situational awareness
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead large, multidisciplinary technical teams
• Strong stakeholder management, decision-making and communication skills
• Ability to work in Canada and obtain Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) clearance

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We are seeking a System Integration Test Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team working on advanced satellite communication systems and next-generation connectivity solutions.

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge RF, microwave, and antenna technologies, contributing to the development and validation of complex SATCOM user terminals used in real-world, high-demand environments.

You will play a key role in designing and executing test plans, supporting system integration, and ensuring the performance and reliability of satellite communication products.

The position involves hands-on work across integration, validation, field testing, and troubleshooting, within a fast-paced and collaborative engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate product requirements into test plans and detailed procedures
• Set up test equipment and execute test cases across integration, OTA validation, and field testing
• Integrate and test complete satellite user terminals, including active phased array antenna systems
• Support engineering field testing, including customer interaction, reporting, and feedback coordination
• Assist product transition through development phases, ensuring smooth validation and issue resolution
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and drive resolution
• Track test cases and ensure validation against requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Support product deployment and certification activities
• Travel to customer or test sites as required (up to 15%)

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ experience, or Master’s degree with 3+ years’ experience
• Experience developing and executing test plans based on product requirements
• Background in testing satellite communication products or user terminal systems
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments
• Experience working across cross-functional engineering teams
• Networking knowledge (DHCP, TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, routing, VLANs, subnetting)
• Familiarity with test management tools and standard office software

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with Linux-based systems
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (e.g. spectrum analysers, signal generators)
• Scripting or programming experience (e.g. Python, Shell)
• Familiarity with collaboration and project tools (e.g. Jira, Confluence)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible time off and paid holidays
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Modern office and lab environment with on-site facilities
• Regular team events and a collaborative company culture

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on testing, system integration, and solving complex technical challenges, and is looking to work on advanced communication systems in a real-world, high-impact environment.

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We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join a highly advanced engineering team working on next-generation satellite communication and RF systems.

This is a senior, hands-on role focused on the architecture, design, and validation of complex electrical subsystems within cutting-edge communication products. You will play a key role in delivering high-performance hardware solutions in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

You will take ownership of critical electrical subsystems, leading design activities from concept through to production. This includes high-speed digital systems, power architectures, and integration of advanced modules such as GNSS and network interfaces.

This position is suited to an experienced engineer who can solve complex hardware challenges with minimal oversight, while also providing technical leadership and mentoring within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and development of electrical subsystems, including schematics, block diagrams, and BOMs
• Design and implement high-performance systems such as switching power supplies and GNSS modules
• Perform signal and power integrity analysis (SI/PI) to ensure robust system performance
• Oversee board bring-up, debugging, and design verification testing (DVT)
• Support manufacturing activities, including DFM/DFA and collaboration with suppliers
• Maintain high standards of design documentation throughout the product lifecycle
• Develop and implement test automation frameworks using Python
• Explore and integrate advanced design approaches, including AI-assisted engineering tools

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years’ experience in electrical or hardware engineering
• Strong foundation in microelectronics, power systems, and circuit design
• Experience with high-speed digital system design (multi-gigabit)
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.)
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g. HyperLynx, PSPICE)
• Experience using ECAD tools such as Cadence (Allegro/OrCAD) or similar

Desirable Skills

• Experience in high-frequency RF design (e.g. Ku/Ka band)
• DDR memory design experience (DDR3/4/5), including signal integrity considerations
• Knowledge of communication protocols (Ethernet, SPI, LVDS, RS232/422)
• Experience with power supply design and components
• Exposure to FPGA or microprocessor-based systems
• Python scripting for engineering or test automation
• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible time off and paid holidays
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Modern office and lab facilities
• Strong team culture with regular events and collaboration opportunities
• On-site amenities including fitness and wellness facilities

This role is ideal for a senior engineer who enjoys owning complex hardware designs, solving challenging technical problems, and contributing to the development of advanced communication systems.

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We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to join a high-performing engineering team working on cutting-edge space missions focused on the future sustainability of the space environment.

This role sits within a specialist Flight Software team responsible for developing embedded real-time software for advanced spacecraft systems, including next-generation missions designed to support satellite servicing and orbital debris removal.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced embedded software engineer looking to work on innovative, mission-critical space programmes and play a key role in shaping the future of in-orbit operations.

You will be responsible for the development of onboard flight software for satellite systems, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across systems, GNC, and computer vision.

The position covers the full software lifecycle, from requirements definition through to integration, verification, and testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and verify onboard flight software for spacecraft systems
• Collaborate with subsystem and system-level teams to define software requirements and solutions
• Contribute to and support design reviews, ensuring software compliance and performance
• Act as a subject matter expert in flight software development
• Support integration of Computer Vision and Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) software into the flight environment
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and provide technical input across engineering teams

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a relevant technical discipline
• Experience developing flight software for space applications
• Strong knowledge of ECSS standards for flight software
• Proven experience in real-time embedded software development (C/C++)
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies and embedded systems engineering
• Experience designing and implementing real-time systems
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take ownership while working collaboratively within a team

Desirable Skills

• Experience within the space sector or other safety-critical industries
• Development experience with VxWorks or RTEMS
• Familiarity with the full mission lifecycle (concept through to operations)
• Knowledge of UML and software modelling techniques
• Experience with spacecraft communication protocols (e.g. CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire)
• Familiarity with cFS (Core Flight System)
• Experience with SPARC V8 or PowerPC architectures
• Linux development and system administration experience
• Scripting experience (e.g. shell, Python)

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions and technologies
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options
• Optional compressed working schedule (e.g. 9/75 pattern)
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• Long-term sick pay support
• Relocation support (where applicable)
• Visa sponsorship available (subject to eligibility)
• Modern office and engineering facilities
• Collaborative, supportive, and innovative working environment
• Regular team and social events

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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Hardware Engineer to join a leading R&D team developing next-generation technologies for advanced communication systems.

In this role, you’ll take full ownership of the electronic board development cycle, from concept and design through to testing, optimization, and integration. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you’ll collaborate closely with optical, mechanical, and software experts to deliver high-performance, reliable mixed-signal electronics designed for use in space.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, test, and integrate reliable analog and mixed-signal electronics for satellite systems.
• Lead the full lifecycle of board design, including requirements definition, architecture, circuit design, component selection, PCB layout, and testing.
• Prepare manufacturing documentation and support production activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external technical specialists across hardware, software, optical, and mechanical domains.
• Contribute to system-level design reviews and ensure designs meet performance, environmental, and reliability standards.

What You’ll Bring

• MSc, PhD, or equivalent in Electronic Engineering or a related field.
• 7+ years’ experience designing and implementing mixed-signal electronics, from concept through to production.
• Expertise in analog/digital PLLs, control systems, ADCs/DACs, and operational amplifiers.
• Hands-on experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools (preferably Altium).
• Experience with photodetectors, transimpedance amplifiers, microcontrollers and/or FPGAs, and RF components.
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and vector network analyzers.
• Background in space, aerospace or high-reliability electronics design.

Why Apply

You’ll join a passionate and technically accomplished team that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in communications. This is a hands-on engineering role where your designs will directly contribute to the next generation of secure, high-performance space technology.

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We are seeking an experienced Senior Integration & Test Engineer to support the development and validation of a next-generation satellite communications system. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in a cutting-edge programme that will redefine global connectivity through high-capacity, low-latency satellite networks.

In this role, you will be responsible for system-level verification and validation activities, working closely with internal engineering teams, external partners, and vendors to ensure robust system performance across the full lifecycle.

This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with high likelihood of becoming a permanent position.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to system verification and validation strategy, providing recommendations and technical input
• Develop system and subsystem verification matrices aligned to requirements
• Plan, coordinate, and execute system-level testing activities, including reporting and analysis
• Develop and maintain test cases and test environments for a variety of scenarios
• Perform hands-on testing within a lab environment, focusing on data path and routing features
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including DevOps, Ground Systems, and Satellite Engineering
• Support component and subsystem design and associated test activities
• Configure and operate test equipment such as satellite link emulators, signal generators, spectrum analysers, and traffic generators
• Ensure systems meet technical, functional, performance, and business requirements
• Work closely with external partners and vendors during test campaigns
• Support field testing activities when required

Required Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of Linux systems, IP networking, and routing protocols
• Experience with test case management and defect tracking tools (e.g. Jira, Jama)
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, management, and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• Experience working with geographically distributed teams

Desirable Skills

• Experience with traffic generation tools such as Ixia or Spirent
• Knowledge of MEF standards
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++
• Experience with test automation and scripting
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information

• Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and able to obtain relevant security clearance

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a highly innovative satellite communications programme, contributing to the future of global connectivity in a collaborative and fast-paced engineering environment.

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We are supporting a leading global communications organisation on the development of a next-generation network designed to deliver secure, resilient, ultra-low latency broadband connectivity worldwide.

This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced User Terminal Systems Engineer to play a critical role in the development, validation and deployment of advanced user terminals. The position focuses on modem, antenna and RF integration within a fully integrated terminal solution designed to meet demanding enterprise, government, maritime, aeronautical and mobility use cases.

You will bring deep expertise in air interface protocols, software architecture, system functionality and terminal operations, providing technical leadership across architecture, vendor engagement and system integration.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical requirements and architectural frameworks for user terminals
• Ensure alignment with system-level performance objectives and operational concepts
• Lead the definition and evolution of user terminal operational procedures
• Interface with modem and antenna vendors to drive architectural alignment
• Clarify requirements, identify technical gaps and develop mitigation strategies
• Provide technical leadership across the product lifecycle
• Define interfaces, ICDs and subsystem/terminal specifications
• Develop and maintain development and deployment roadmaps
• Support service introduction timelines and long-term scalability across multiple market segments
• Ensure seamless integration of terminal functionality within the wider network architecture

Education & Experience Required

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline (Master’s/PhD advantageous)
• 12+ years’ systems engineering experience within networking and communications environments
• Specialisation in software engineering or software architecture
• Experience working with vendor ecosystems to deliver commercially successful products
• Knowledge of satellite communication technologies, particularly user terminal design
• Strong understanding of access techniques, modulation schemes and performance trade-offs
• Knowledge of antenna technologies for NGSO tracking across land, aero, maritime and fixed applications
• Experience with cloud, edge computing or mobile networking environments
• Familiarity with NGSO spectrum regulatory frameworks
• Understanding of modem and hub technologies
• Knowledge of ASIC design and manufacturing considerations
• Experience designing for high-volume production, cost targets and quality assurance
• Strong understanding of physical layer protocols for satellite communications

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the architecture and deployment strategy of advanced user terminals within a transformational global connectivity programme.

If you are a senior systems engineer with deep expertise in satellite communications and terminal development, apply now.

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We are supporting a leading satellite communications organisation on a critical hire within a next-generation global satellite network programme.

This role focuses on advanced system architecture across a complex, distributed satellite communications solution. The successful candidate will lead the definition, prioritisation and evolution of the end-to-end product architecture spanning space, ground and user segments.

As System Architect, you will take ownership of the overall product system architecture, ensuring cohesion across hardware, embedded software, networking infrastructure and cloud-native services.

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the architecture of a large-scale satellite network from concept through operational delivery. You will ensure technical alignment with business and operational objectives, maintaining architectural integrity across a highly integrated ecosystem.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the constellation architecture, enabling dynamic service orchestration, configuration management, telemetry and lifecycle automation across distributed systems
• Define and maintain the end-to-end product system architecture
• Ensure architectural alignment with business and operational goals, including fault tolerance, observability and maintainability
• Provide architectural oversight during Agile release planning, sprint execution and release readiness
• Prioritise development initiatives based on business value, technical feasibility and strategic alignment
• Lead governance of system architecture across hardware, embedded software, cloud-native services, network orchestration and edge computing
• Define and maintain architectural standards aligned to security and performance requirements
• Work closely with domain architects responsible for subsystem delivery to ensure seamless integration
• Oversee technical evaluations, interface definitions and integration strategies for third-party solutions

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field
• 12+ years’ experience in software development and systems architecture
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, networking and communication protocols
• Experience within satellite or aerospace domains highly desirable
• Experience with network management operations
• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (Capella advantageous)
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills

Why Apply?

• Influence the architecture of a complex global satellite communications network
• Work across space systems, embedded platforms and cloud-native infrastructure
• Operate at a strategic level within a long-term, high-visibility programme
• Join a multidisciplinary engineering environment solving technically challenging problems at scale

If you are an experienced system architect with a background in complex distributed systems and satellite communications, we would be keen to speak with you.

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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Antenna Design Engineer to join an advanced R&D environment developing next-generation satellite ground terminal systems. This role sits at the heart of RF, microwave, and antenna engineering, contributing across the full product lifecycle, from early concept through to high-volume manufacturing.

You will play a key role in the design and development of gateway terminals and deployable flyaway systems operating across X, Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge antenna reflector technology and the opportunity to contribute to future programmes, including defence-related systems.

As a Senior Antenna Design Engineer, you will take ownership of RF and antenna subsystem design, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-performance, production-ready solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define RF and antenna design specifications based on system requirements and performance targets
• Design and develop RF/antenna subsystems, including antenna reflectors
• Perform electromagnetic simulation and analysis using industry-standard tools (e.g. CST, HFSS, CHAMP)
• Build and evaluate prototypes, optimizing performance against specifications
• Carry out RF measurements and verification using equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
• Support manufacturing with antenna performance verification and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners throughout development
• Provide technical support for field issues and attend customer sites when required

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 3+ years’ experience
• Strong background in RF, microwave, and antenna engineering
• Proven experience designing RF/antenna solutions from requirements through to validation
• Hands-on experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g. HFSS, CST)
• Practical experience using RF test and measurement equipment
• Ability to work cross-functionally and resolve complex technical challenges
• Strong documentation and reporting skills

Why Apply?

• Work on advanced satellite communication systems at the forefront of RF technology
• Influence products from early design through to production
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in a highly technical R&D environment
• Contribute to both commercial and defence-related programmes

If you’re an experienced RF Engineer or Antenna Design Engineer looking to take on technically challenging work in satellite and antenna systems, this role offers a compelling next step.

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