Senior Director, Network Operations

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

The Director, LEO Network Operations will report to the VP Network Operations and take responsibility for the Telesat LEO’s operational functions to support customers and services offered around the world. In addition, they will co-ordinate the activities of the NOC (Network Operations Center), CSC (Customer Support Centre), LS Operations and associated facilities services required to support Lightspeed.

In addition to the above, the Director, LEO Network Operations will support Sales and Engineering efforts to cost and provide support for implementation and ongoing operational support of customers requirement for both space and ground-based service offerings for Lightspeed and support lifecycle management of all elements required to maintain the operational network from end-to-end point requirements. 

Main Responsibilities:

• Optimize the flow and responsiveness of all departments to create a superior customer service experience to both internal and external customer’s and their needs. This will be for the L1 through L5 support structure for Lightspeed via the NOC and related operational departments.
• Provide leadership to all managers in the department and provide feedback and mentoring to meet service standards and maximize operational effectiveness.
• Work with the Network Operations Budget Co-Ordinator and VP to develop and manage/report on operating and capital budgets for groups under direction.
• Ensure proper metrics are in place to report on serviceability and financial performance of the Division.
• Act as the primary interface for other Departments when the role of Network Operations is required to meet LEO business requirements. Delegate role and responsibilities to meet these requirements to ensure success of the company objectives.
• Ensure H&S procedures/policies are in place and actively monitored and reported on in co-operation with HR.
• Identify, establish and manage relationships with technology partners for the development/continued maintenance of infrastructure elements required to meet service SLO’s with end users.
• Effectively manage and further develop/expand LEO NO teams to ensure that all technical, commercial and delivery objectives are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Work in a Co-Operative manner with the GEO NO Director to make maximum use of company resources to meet the goals of the Network Operations Department.

Education and Experience Required:

• An Electronics Engineering, Technologist Diploma or Degree, are the minimum consideration for this position.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in satellite systems implementation/maintenance with emphasis on the total customer service experience. RFP/quote/implement/maintain cycle management is desired. International experience in a support role would be beneficial.
• Minimum of 15 years in a management role with direct reports in a related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in budget preparation, presenting and reporting is essential in this role.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of satellite communication technologies with strong emphasis on earth station and satellite spectrum, operational performance measurement and reporting to meet stated SLO’s.
• Expert knowledge of satellite modems and satellite earth station technology, performance and global supply chain challenges to meet SLO’s.
• Expert knowledge of common Network Topologies used in both the satellite and terrestrial telecommunications networks. The ability to visualize all elements involved and troubleshoot to final problem resolution. Experience in a SD Network topology preferred.
• Expert knowledge of satellite access network techniques, acquisition, tracking, modulation, coding and associated network performance parameters and explain their role in end-to-end performance to a customer.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to summarize complex problems, solutions and recommendations.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken required. Bilingual in French is ideal.

Decision making and Supervision:

• Critical data review and timeliness of action are critical.
• Ability to accept responsibility for end result of success or failure is a key requirement.
• Collaborative decision making with all team members is a focus of strength for this position.
• Supervision Exercised
• Performance objective and management of managers and their reports is in scope for this position.

Working Conditions:

• Working environment is generally a comfortable indoor office environment, but may be required to be at customer facilities, earth stations or regional company facilities.
• Occasional travel is anticipated, domestic and/or international.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis is expected. 

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.