Winter 2027

Embedded Software Engineer Intern

January 2027, 4 months

Updated on 9/3/2026

Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications

201-500 employees

Real-time space communications network for missions

Compensation Overview

CA$29.75 - CA$39/hr

Toronto, ON, Canada

In Person

Work is on-site at the Toronto office.

Bachelor's

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Verilog
Python
Git
Data Structures & Algorithms
Computer Networking
FreeRTOS
VHDL
C/C++

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Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience working in embedded systems.
  • Currently enrolled in a Computer Science or equivalent degree program and returning to studies after the internship.
  • Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms, testing, and debugging.
  • Proficiency in C and C++.
  • Experience with embedded operating systems and build systems, including OpenEmbedded/Yocto and FreeRTOS.
  • Experience with Embedded Linux, with user-space development most common and kernel or driver work possible depending on project needs.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to effectively use Git.
  • 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.
  • Available for a full-time internship beginning January 2027 for four months.
  • Ability to work on-site at the Toronto office.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop reliable, high-quality software for on-board software for next-generation satellites, Embedded Linux for space and ground systems, firmware and drivers, and IoT modules.
  • Write thorough tests and documentation.
  • Participate in software design review and code review processes.
  • Work with electrical, digital design, and operations teams to identify required features and solidify the system architecture.
Desired Qualifications
  • General familiarity with embedded concepts such as multitasking, real-time constraints, and hardware interfaces.
  • Relevant experience with hobbies or a university design team.
  • Python development experience.
  • Strong knowledge of computer networking and modern networking protocols.
  • Experience with RTL, including Verilog and/or VHDL, and embedded systems-on-chip.
  • Hardware debugging experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar tools.
Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications

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Kepler Communications builds and operates a space communications network. It provides real-time, continuous connectivity for space missions through The Kepler Network, which includes satellite constellations, ground stations, payload technology, and intersatellite links to improve telemetry, tracking, and command. The company offers S Band, Ku Band, and Optical communication services to extend data downlink capacity and enable on-orbit data access, while also handling regulatory filings for customers. This setup helps satellite operators, space stations, launch vehicle operators, and other space assets access space-generated data without needing to manage their own communications infrastructure. Kepler’s goal is to remove barriers in space communications and enable global access to data from space.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$178.8M

Headquarters

Toronto, Canada

Founded

2015

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 2026 Kepler began commercial services from Tranche 1 after commissioning.
  • January 2026’s ten-satellite launch added 33 satellites, expanding capacity and customer coverage.
  • Canadian RADARSAT+ studies and ESA contracts diversify revenue beyond commercial telecom.

What critics are saying

  • SpaceIntelReport said ISED sought deadline relief after propulsion defects on two pathfinder satellites.
  • Kepler still depends on SpaceX launches and ESA procurement cycles for expansion financing.
  • If the 2028 Neutron launch slips, Kepler's optical roadmap loses momentum against better-capitalized rivals.

What makes Kepler Communications unique

  • Kepler became ESA HydRON prime contractor in April 2026, proving sovereign optical-network credibility.
  • Its January 2026 launch created the first commercial optical data relay constellation.
  • Distributed on-orbit compute with NVIDIA, announced March 2026, separates Kepler from pure bandwidth players.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

0%
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A Boundaryless Constellation: Amazon’S Space Lasers Redefine Global Connectivity

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Techvibes
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Kepler Raises $16 Million to Launch Nanosatellites into Orbit

As access to space technology becomes cheaper, more companies will look to gain a foothold in the growing industry. Kepler is one of them. The Toronto-based Kepler Communications has announced a $16…