COMSEC and Security Specialist

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 www.telesat.com

The COMSEC and Security Specialist works closely with Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), other government agencies, as well as foreign and domestic satellite manufacturers and suppliers for planning and executing the receiving and safeguarding of COMSEC materials.

In addition, this position fulfills the role of Company Security Officer (CSO) for the oversight of Canada’s Contract Security Program for Telesat and provides direction to regional offices registered under the Contract Security Program. The position also acts as a Designated Official (DO) for the purposes of Canada’s Controlled Goods Program for Telesat.

Key Responsibilities:
• Plan and execute the receiving and safeguarding of Telesat COMSEC requirements. The COMSEC and Security Specialist must understand applicable COMSEC regulatory directives and compliance, including CSE and ISED processes and procedures for receiving and safeguarding COMSEC materials.
• As the CSO, plan and maintain organizational security registration(s) and Security Orders in the Contract Security Program (CSP).
• Maintain, validate and issue security clearances for Key Senior Officials (KSO). Ensure required documentation is provided for signatory and filing purposes.
• As the DO, liaise with the Company’s Authorized Individual (AI) to plan and maintain organizational security registration(s) and Security Plan in the Controlled Goods Program (CGP). Lead and provide knowledge of Controlled Goods Regulations to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assist the Controlled Goods and Security Coordinator – Alternate CSO/DO with new and renewal employee CGP clearances and renewal of employee Reliability status and other security clearances.
• Lead and prepare for external agencies performing security compliance audits and inspections.
• Liaise with business units, contractors and other key stakeholders to develop operating procedures, prepare and review Security Requirements Check Lists, advise on industrial security regulations and adhere to security requirements for Public Services and Procurement Canada and NATO contracts.
• Assist in the organization and implementation of security awareness training for the company.

Education & Experience Required:
• Post-Secondary education
• Minimum 5+ years’ security-related experience in relevant areas of corporate security
• Strong knowledge of Canadian organizational security standards, regulations, and compliance requirements, and experience working with government agencies or regulated industries
• Experience working with sensitive or classified government information
• Ability to effectively interact with employees
• Must display a high degree of initiative, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality
• Considerable attention to detail, dependable and proactive
• Must be able to respond to changing priorities
• Bilingual considered an asset
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (primarily Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint, CAD)
• Equipment Used - Computer, related peripherals, and software

Decision Making & Supervision:
• Develop creative and workable solutions to problems
• Exercise independent judgment in planning, scheduling, and organizing responsibilities
• With minimal supervision, contribute to collaborative efforts with stakeholders to support security capabilities
• Work on complex problems where analysis of situation requires in-depth evaluation of rules and regulations and business requirements. The incumbent will need to make recommendations and decisions based on his or her experience.
• This role has no direct reports, but will work and interact with engineering, contracts, legal, and commercial teams to provide guidance to management and employees on COMSEC requirements and strategy.

Working Conditions:
• The position is based in Telesat’s headquarters in Ottawa. Occasional travel, including international travel, is possible.

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain government security screening clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and hold or be eligible to hold a personnel Security Clearance to the level of NATO Secret/Top Secret.

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.