Technical Writer - Data Manager

For those who dream of advancing our space in the Universe and on Earth, we’ll take you there.

Serving the world from our Canadian home and our global offices, MDA is an international space mission partner and robotics & space operations, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 50-year story of firsts on and above the Earth. Today, we're leading the charge towards viable Moon colonies, enhanced Earth observation, communication in a hyper-connected world, and more.

We’re fueled by a pioneering spirit that carries us beyond. And together we enable highly skilled people to continually push boundaries and tackle big challenges requiring solutions that endure and inspire.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We’re on the hunt for a Technical Writer and Data Manager combined role as part of our Geointelligence Team at our Richmond, British Columbia office.

Our mission is to turn data into actionable insight and provide capabilities that populate the space between proven and possible. From detecting changes in fragile ecosystems to monitoring maritime environments, our near-real time data of Earth observation and Defence intelligence capabilities make our Geointelligence team a leader in geospatial imagery, ground stations, enterprise geospatial systems and defence programs.

As a member of the Quality team you will work with our programs such as Chorus Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite, Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), Aeronautical Navigation products, Maritime Insights products, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) services. You will work as part of a team developing new capabilities, enhancing existing capabilities and delivering (predominantly software intensive) solutions to our customers.

As part of your growth and development we will work with you to establish your development actions alongside regular progress reviews. You are likely to move through various projects to gain the experience and knowledge to progress your career with us.

Role:

The Technical Writer – Data Manager (TW-DM) reports to the Director of Quality Assurance. This position is responsible for providing direct support and guidance to business pursuits and projects within the context of relevant contracts and our Quality Policy. The TW-DM is charged with communicating the intricacies of complex systems for the benefit of multiple stakeholder groups, notably end users.

The TW-DM is also a curator of information charged with establishing and maintaining the integrity of information on which MDA’s Geointelligence Team capabilities and competitive advantage are based.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities fall under two key functions:

1. Technical writing and support
2. Data management and support

The proportion of time spent performing each will be driven by business needs.

1. Technical Writing and Support

The Technical Writer manages the maintenance of local style guides and the authoring, review and edit of technically oriented documentation.

• Establishes and maintains the environment supporting a standard portrayal of technical information, such as identifying and managing the use of relevant style and brand guides, a symbology library, and relevant templates of document types.
• Identifies and defines the relevant audience(s) and their goals. Applies written and information presentation techniques suitable to realizing audience needs.
• Establishes suitable content to address the needs of end-user audiences and elevate the professionalism of MDA Space as presented to current/future customers.
• Tool Proficient and works across media and collaboration platforms to establish suitable content: e.g. MS Office365, SharePoint, Adobe and Confluence.
• Consults with Data Managers and QAPA (Quality/Product Assurance) Team Leads to understand the deliverables expected of underlying contracts.
• Navigates (e.g. dry run tests) the user interface of systems and documents instructions from the user perspective.
• Works with subject matter experts to understand complex topics and arrange that information to become understandable content for target audiences.
• Provides review and proofreading services, editing documents in a way to correct spelling and grammatical issues while refining so it reads in one voice.
• Promotes the Technical Writing capability and value statement to internal pursuits, projects or programs and identifies internal opportunities for the application of these services. 

2. Data Management and Support

The Data Manager a) provides for local data stewardship, managing the data like the asset it is, b) defines and aligns local data structural requirements with enterprise policies, c) establishes and maintains data security and integrity, and d) provides for the effective retention and management of information lifecycle activities.

• Plan documentation and information management activities in the context of contractual requirements and in collaboration with programmatic leadership of the supported pursuit/ project/ program.
• Plan DM activities within a given pursuit/ project/ program context including authoring a Data Management Plan as required.
• Enact DM-related controls as defined within the corresponding Data Management Plan (as applicable) or per internal standard practices.
• Support the conduct of internal and external audits as required.
• Assure that suitable security controls are defined and applied for each document type and record type in a manner reflecting regulatory and contractual requirements and internal practices.
• Provide document retention/management tool administration services including:
  • Setup new projects; e.g. configure and adapt roles, access restrictions, search structure, and review/approval workflows.
  • Setup new employees; e.g. assign roles and extend authorizations.
• Train end users on the use of the document retention/management tool through the presentation of training material and live demo with Q&A responses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in a technical field such as computer science or a focus on English, writing or communications. Diploma in a technical field is acceptable with accompanying additional experience.
• A minimum of three years of technical writing experience.
• Having worked under a certified quality management system and/or within an environment with security clearance requirements is considered an asset.
• Experience creating infographics is considered an asset.
• Previous work experience with Microsoft Office365 suite and SharePoint, Atlassian’s Confluence (JIRA included) is considered an asset.
• Additional experience using Oracle Agile PLM, Siemens Team Center, Infor Web PLM, Windchill and/or FileHold PDM systems is also advantageous to this role.
• Experience owning an end-to-end documentation creation process within the context of a defined methodology.
• Ability to elicit information from technical personnel and other subject matter experts; has a track record of effective collaboration.
• Ability to write clearly and succinctly for multiple audiences with attention to tone within written materials.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Significant experience working within a team setting but having individual assignments with relevant accountabilities.
• Possesses a positive attitude, willing to jump in and tackle new challenges.

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold a secret level security clearance, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $102,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

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