User Terminal Product Manager - Ottawa

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years.  Backed by a legacy of engineering e ...

Job description

Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years.  Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

The company's state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 14 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite.  For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit

The successful candidate will lead and manage development of user terminal type approval and certification process, third-party vendor management, and definition of test procedures for the Telesat Lightspeed LEO constellation. In addition, they will provide technical expertise in the development, integration, and productization of antennas and user terminal technology as it pertains to 

the needs and uses cases of satellite terminals. This position is also responsible for the creation and support of user terminal sales tools.

Purpose of Job

• Lead and manage development of type approval for the User Terminals for the Telesat Lightspeed LEO constellation 
• Manage third-party vendor inquires, evaluations and support
• Provide technical expertise in the development, integration, and productization of antenna and modem technology as it pertains to the needs and uses cases of satellite terminals 
• Deliver product requirements and technical specifications for use by internal and external development teams, including requirements for documentation 
• Support sales and commercial go-to-market initiatives to drive service adoption that meet or exceed revenue targets 

Main Responsibilities

• As a member of the User Terminal team, you will be responsible for the definition, specifications, and process for third-party type approval and certification of user terminals on the Telesat Lightspeed network. 
• Evaluation of antennas and user terminals with integrated and stand-alone modems. Upgrades from NGSO or multi-band/multi-orbit solutions 
• Define test procedures, measurements, reports of terminal criteria 
• including RF characteristics from accredited test labs certified 
• Ensure that Telesat Lightspeed user terminal third-party process is designed to meet market needs to deliver the most compelling products and operateat the highest quality-of-service standards 
• Work in close collaboration with Telesat's systems engineering and technical product management teams to ensure seamless integration of terminal functionality and performance within the complete system and according to product roadmaps 

Education & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant discipline with an emphasis in communication systems or satellite terminals
• Minimum 10 years' experience in product management in a STEM field with a minimum of 5 years in the satcom sector 
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus 
• Experience managing terminals, antennas or modems through a type of approval process is preferred. 

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of satellite antenna and modem technologies required for terminals
• Knowledge of satellite markets and verticals such as Enterprise, Maritime, Land Mobility, Government, or Aviation
• Knowledge of antenna, RF or modem certifications and homologation a plus 
• Ability to write clear, concise and testable product requirements and experience in prioritization of features, enhancements and minimum  viable products 
• Success in building winning communication products and managing long term roadmaps for complex communication systems 
• Proven success collaborating with cross-functional teams including technology, business development, marketing, sales, 0peration and support 
• Experience working with external vendors including outside design and manufacturing facilities 
• Excellent communicator with the ability to summarize complex problems, solutions and recommendations for diverse audiences, including both technical and non-technical customers, colleagues and executives 
• Fluent in English, written and oral  

Decision Making & Supervision

• Makes decisions about task priorities as required in the course of leading external vendor's designs 
• Self motivation and the drive to take on varied tasks through to conclusion 
• The ability to work well with a diverse team spread around the world 
• Ability to describe technical solutions in an easily readable, concise and accurate way 
• Will need to execute in areas of ambiguity and make reasonable decisions 

Supervision Exercised

• There is no direct reporting staff but this role is expected to lead multi-disciplinary project teams and/or provide technical assistance or guidance to other engineers or specialists; 
• Supervision of suppliers/contractor during supplier facing activities. 

Working Conditions

• This position will be based out of the Telesat Bethesda, MD or Ottawa, ON office 
• Full-time office or hybrid 80/20 office/remote, subject to work needs 
• Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office  environment. 
• Occasional travel, including international travel is anticipated 
• Candidate must be able to obtain relevant security clearance if based in  Canada 

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace.   We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process.   All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly.  We will work with you to meet your needs.   All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.