Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
This listing is featured because it highlights a SaaS-adjacent operational role inside a deeply technical, product-led business where software and network services depend on reliable physical delivery. Kepler’s context—an active satellite fleet with a next-generation optical network underway—creates a modern “infrastructure-as-a-service” environment where supply chain decisions directly influence service continuity, deployment timelines, and customer commitments.
For SaaS career builders, the value sits in learning how operational systems scale alongside product roadmaps. Ownership across procurement strategy, supplier risk, and ERP/IMS improvements builds fluency in the operational layer that many subscription businesses rely on but rarely expose: forecasting, readiness reviews, and data integrity that feed planning and reporting. The emphasis on process/tool scalability and automation aligns with the mindset SaaS companies expect in ops functions—making work repeatable, measurable, and auditable as volume increases.
This role suits professionals who like cross-functional work and are comfortable translating between engineering detail and operational execution. It will appeal to candidates who prefer structured problem-solving, risk management, and systems thinking over purely transactional purchasing, and who want their decisions to be tightly coupled to product delivery outcomes.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of connectivity - we're leading it!
Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access in space, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 23 satellites already launched and a next-generation optical network on the way, we’re creating the infrastructure that will power the space economy for decades to come.
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!
As a Supply Chain Manager at Kepler, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end ownership of procurement, supplier management, and material readiness across satellite programs. You will bridge the gap between engineering, program management, and external suppliers, ensuring that Kepler’s missions from prototype builds to constellation-scale production are supported by a robust, agile, and cost-effective supply chain.
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Key Responsibilities: - This role goes beyond transactional procurement; it’s about strategic partnership, technical acumen and operational execution in a very fast-moving space environment.
Supply Chain Management and Procurement
- Play a key role in defining and implementing supply chain strategies to meet the needs of the Program
- Lead NPI activities for high complexity electromechanical components and assemblies from inception to production
- Lead supplier sourcing activities for internal product teams (IPTs) developing spacecraft subsystems and customer hardware
- Identify and manage supply chain risk including the development of contingency plans
- Optimize component and supplier selection through cost analysis, total cost of ownership, and make-or-buy evaluations
- Develop procurement plans by defining and implementing procurement strategies across products and programs
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity from sourcing to program delivery
- Identify and manage procurement risk including the development of contingency plans – i.e. supplier financial and/or schedule risk
- Gather bids & lead reviews with program leadership and key stakeholders
- Develop sourcing strategies aligned with technical product requirements
- Develop negotiation plans based on the needs of the business
- Lead supplier onboarding activities while maintaining and updating approved supplier lists (ASL)
- Optimize component and supplier selection, analyze equipment costs and drive savings
- Tactical buying purchase order generation for commodities, services and equipment
Supplier Management
- Lead supplier due diligence initiatives and onboarding
- Act as point of contact for suppliers by confirming delivery schedules, resolving non-conformities and discrepancies, and escalating delays
- Contribute to maintaining supplier scorecards and department KPIs
- Drive supplier relationship management to ensure responsiveness and reliability
- Identify and mitigate supplier related technical and programmatic risks
- Support the Quality team to address supplier non-conformances, ensuring timely implementation and verification of corrective actions
Engineering Coordination
- Own assigned engineering work packages to maintain control of the costed bill of materials and enable smooth, timely supply delivery
- Influence design decisions by proactively identifying and advocating for feasible, cost-effective solutions
- Work upstream with the technical community to accelerate and de-risk procurement for long lead and EEE components
Production & Manufacturing Operations Coordination
- Lead Clear to Build reviews
- Coordinate BoM Readiness Reviews (BRR)
- Coordinate and support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRR)
- Participate in production standups communicating expected delivery dates, delays and key updates
- Coordinate schedules and expected deliverables to operations groups
Continuous Improvement & Systems Development
- Support ERP system refinement and data accuracy to enhance visibility and decision-making
- Develop scalable processes & tools to support Kepler’s growth toward larger constellation production
- Identify automation or digitization opportunities for supply chain data collection activities
- Help drive implementation of inventory management system (IMS)
Required Skills & Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Administration
- 3+ years of experience in supply chain management, engineering or engineering adjacent roles
- Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components and small/medium assemblies
- Experience with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts related to component procurement
- Understanding of manufacturing/fabrication process related to mechanical or electrical components (PCB/PCBA)
- Experience with using ERP, Procurement or MRP systems
- Ability to assess sourcing, programmatic and technical risk associated with bringing a product from development to production
- Experience building automated & scalable reporting methodologies
Bonus Points:- Experience with using NetSuite ERP
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or any other relevant degree
- Previous work in space, aerospace, or a high complexity hardware industry
- Experience with CGP, ITAR, EAR, or Controlled Goods sourcing & procurement
- Experience building scalable & sustainable processes & tools
- Lean Six Sigma or PMP designation
- Experience reading and analyzing engineering drawings and 3D models
- Experience with supplier terms and conditions or master supplier agreements (MSA) covering pricing structures, lead times, warranty, quality standards, and delivery terms
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$109,150 - $159,150 a year
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
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Use of AI in Recruitment
At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.
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.
