Our Ability Jobs

Legal Counsel

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

Telesat believes in the power of collaboration and the value of in-person interactions. This is why our employees generally work from the office Tuesday - Thursday, leaving Monday and Friday for choice and flexibility to work where you feel most effective. This setup fosters brainstorming, problem-solving, and trusted relationships and allows our employees to come together three days a week to collaborate, innovate and thrive!

Telesat is seeking a Legal Counsel to support both the existing GEO business and the transition to Telesat Lightspeed.This position will report to the Deputy General Counsel and will be part of a larger law group consisting of 5 other lawyers, contract specialists, a corporate clerk, a security team, an export control team, and a procurement group. The incumbent will work independently and assume an active role in making decisions as required to resolve issues and implement solutions.

Main Responsibilities

• The position will be engaged in providing a wide range of legal services to all sectors of Telesat with a primary emphasis on reviewing, drafting and negotiating agreements with suppliers and commercial and government customers, including consulting agreements, master service agreements, memoranda of understanding, technology licenses, equipment purchase agreements, and non-disclosure agreements; providing contract interpretation and legal advice to Telesat’s employees and management; and handling other corporate and commercial matters as they arise (e.g., bankruptcy, litigation, security and export control, financing, etc.).

• The position will also manage Telesat’s contract workflow and database processes and procedures.

• The position will work closely and coordinate with other members of Telesat’s legal and senior management teams to ensure alignment of legal priorities with the needs and requirements of Telesat Lightspeed and Telesat’s other satellite-based communications services.

• The position will assist the Law Department in its objective of ensuring that all of the legal needs of Telesat are met such that: (i) Telesat is fully compliant with all applicable laws; and (ii) Telesat conducts its business such that it limits its liability and protects its assets in accordance with prudent commercial practices.

• The position must establish, foster, and maintain good working relationships with internal stakeholders from all operating units within Telesat.

Education and Experience

• A law degree and be a member in good standing of a provincial or state bar

• 5+ years of corporate/commercial experience gained at a major firm or corporation

• IP and software licensing, drafting contracts for sale and lease of equipment, litigation, financing, and export control and security experience will be beneficial

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in dealing with clients, staff, and senior management

• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical individuals

• Strong organizational skills

• A team player, collaborative and independently driven

• Must demonstrate a flexible, open-minded attitude and have strong interpersonal skills

• Able to work well in a fast-paced, multi-function environment with overlapping priorities

• Asset: Bilingual in English and French (but not required)

Supervision

• Depending on the background of the candidate, this role may or may not initially have direct reports. The position will work and interact with multi-disciplinary engineering, contracts, legal, and commercial teams to provide guidance to management and employees.

Working Conditions

• Considerable attention to detail

• Pressure during negotiations to optimize cost savings, obtain beneficial terms and conditions, and to meet tight deadlines

• Working conditions are typical of an office environment

• Occasional travel, including international travel, is possible

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

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.