Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.
As Legal Counsel – Technology & Trade Compliance, this isn’t your typical legal position. At Kepler, you’ll be embedded in a fast-moving team, helping to shape how we operate globally by balancing legal precision with bold innovation. You’ll provide hands-on legal expertise across a vast array of commercial agreements and government engagements, all while supporting cutting-edge space technology projects.
As we push the boundaries of space-based connectivity, your work will ensure Kepler remains not only compliant but competitive in a highly regulated and technically complex landscape. Your decisions will directly influence how we launch, partner, build, and operate globally.
Key Responsibilities:
Technology & Commercial Contracting
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Draft, negotiate, and review a wide variety of commercial and technology contracts, including NDAs, software licenses, supplier/vendor agreements, and customer agreements
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Support Kepler’s intellectual property strategy development
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Serve as a legal point of contact for engineering, project management, business development, regulatory, and supply chain teams for contracting and operational legal issues
Government Contracting & Proposals
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Support negotiations and compliance for government contracts and funding agreements in Canada (ISED, CSA), the United States (NASA, SDA), and Europe (ESA)
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Review and advise on flow down requirements, IP provisions, export controls, and other government terms
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Provide legal support on RFP responses, grant applications, and strategic proposals, working closely with business development and program teams
Legal Advisory
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Provide strategic legal counsel to internal teams on contractual and governance matters
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Advise on legal matters across a broad range of corporate initiatives, coordinating with external counsel as needed
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Support Kepler’s internal compliance programs, including those related to privacy, data governance, and information security
Training & Policy Development
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Draft and maintain internal legal procedures, manuals, and compliance protocols
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Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and build scalable legal operations and document templates, leveraging Kepler’s AI solutions
Required Skills & Qualifications:
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JD or LLB degree with license to practice law in Ontario (or eligibility to be licensed)
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5+ years of relevant experience in related legal and compliance functions
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Exceptional judgment and integrity
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Strong negotiator and communicator, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences and effectively engage with stakeholders at various levels
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Willingness to work on projects of all types and resourcefulness to bring legal expertise on a variety of topics
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Demonstrated ability to independently draft and negotiate a range of commercial and technology contracts
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Ability to work hybrid 3+ days in our Toronto HQ
Bonus Points:
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Expertise in export controls and international trade law
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Demonstrated expertise in Canadian CGP and U.S. ITAR/EAR frameworks
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Experience acting as a Designated Official under the CGP or equivalent role
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Experience in the aerospace, satellite, or defense industry
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Familiarity with OFAC sanctions, dual-use technology, and international treaties
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Privacy and data protection experience
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Bilingual (English/French) is an asset
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Security clearance or eligibility to obtain one