User Terminal Program Manager - Third-Party Programs

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 50 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 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 fleet consists of 15 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 www.telesat.com

As User Terminal Program Manager, this position is to join the existing UT development team responsible for working with outside technology vendors providing user terminal solutions for Telesat. This position will report to the Director of UT Program Management. This position requires a strong program manager with proven experience in the development of satellite user terminal technologies and with the manufacturing, delivery and installation of satellite user terminal products. The UT Program Manager - Third-Party Programs will serve as a focal point for the process that external vendors will type approve and certify their terminals for approval on Lightspeed. This role will require a team player comfortable working in a multi-functional organization with engineering, program management, business development and sales.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage third-party type approval UT programs including aviation and government integrators and report on their progress 
• Responsible for the planning and execution of multiple vendor programs by managing the scope (contract, statement-of-work, work-breakdown-structure, monthly executive reporting) requirements, schedule, milestones, risks, opportunities and budget 
• Ensure external vendor development is tracked correctly, reported and risks and challenges identified
• Work closely with the product, program, engineering and commercial teams to understand the UT requirements and ensure vendors delivery of compliant solutions, on time and on budget 
• Work with Telesat engineering, legal and contracts teams to support preparation of partnership, development and supply agreements with selected vendors including system integration services and support
• Develop required documentation for proper management and execution of UT programs in collaboration with technical experts in the engineering team, including dashboards

Education & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant discipline with an emphasis in communication systems or satellite terminals
• Minimum 6 years experience in program management in a STEM field with a minimum of 3 years in the satcom sector
• Type approval experience is mandatory
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus
• Significant experience managing multiple concurrent and interdependent projects 
• Strong working knowledge of project management tools including Microsoft Project or similar scheduling tools (ie. Primavera Cloud, Primavera P6, as well as Jira) 
• General knowledge of modem, RF, electronics and antenna technologies; previous experience with government terminal integrators a plus
• Experience in dealing with business considerations and practical limitations related to system design and implementation 
• Experience working with external vendors including outside design and manufacturing facilities 
• Ability to prioritize opportunities, needs and resources 
• PMP Certification is a plus
• 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 Bethesda, MD office
• Full-time office or hybrid 60/40 office/remote, subject to work needs
• Working conditions are generally comfortable typical of an office environment.
• Occasional travel, including international travel is anticipated

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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.