Software Engineering Manager

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Manager, Software Engineering is a vital member of the engineering leadership team and reports directly to the Director, Engineering.

We are seeking an inspiring leader to guide a high performing team of over 70 engineers in the design, development, verification and validation of embedded hard real time software for mission critical and autonomous systems with an application focus on the command and control of electro-mechanical (e.g. manipulators, unmanned vehicles) and electro-optic systems (e.g. cameras, lidars). Over the next few years, the team will need to establish capability in AI-based framework for robotics and sensor processing.  This team is also responsible for desktop and supporting software tools and capabilities including ground support equipment software and simulators as well as complementary elements of our systems including human-machine interfaces for robotic systems and image and signal processing. 

It is expected that the Director will fully participate in business strategy and technology roadmap development, and then continuously align, improve, and modernize engineering practices to drive enhanced business performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.

The Manager will support the Director, Engineering in business strategy and technology roadmap development, and continuously align, improve, and modernize engineering practices to improve business performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.

The Manager will oversee recruitment, retention, development, and succession planning of a diverse multi-disciplinary team.   The Manager will advocate and manage the adoption of next-generation engineering tools, techniques, and procedures to increase competitiveness in their discipline area.

It is essential that the incumbent must be a visionary, and a passionate leader who truly owns the software engineering function, and is dedicated to creating a world leading capability that continuously improves.

• Software Engineering Strategy Ownership.
  Work closely with the Director of Engineering to understand the company’s business strategy and shape software engineering capability accordingly.
• Innovation Leadership.
  Drive software engineering teams to innovate the company’s market offering by challenging the workforce to continuously improve our technical solutions in order to meet customer requirements, budget, and schedule.
• Bid Solution Governance.
  Lead software engineering discussions in bid development and review process to ensure proposed solution and costing aligns with customer priorities, competitive environment needs as well as the program-product-based strategy. Work with other business leaders to ensure (1) proposed solutions are aligned with the product baselines, (2) cost estimation is right, and (3) that we are costing the right things.
• Independent Review Teams.

Independently audits and assesses risk on planned program work and program work-in-progress through its life cycle, assists Engineering Review Teams in identifying mitigation responses or workarounds and leading Software Engineering review.

• Engineering Resource Management.
  Recruits employees, assigns, directs, and evaluates their work; develops staff to support the deployment and operation of human spaceflight and robotic systems. Oversees software engineering facilities, processes, and tools required to support deployment and operation of both current and future flight systems. Creates regular training and mentoring plans for the department.  Establishes and updates succession plans regularly for key skills to avoid single point failures and bottlenecks in resource allocation.
• Engineering Resource Allocation.
  Ensure optimal software engineering talent assignment, and re-allocation when required, according to business priorities across the full bid, program and product portfolio. Oversee the forecast and planning for those resources, with the goal of meeting or exceeding individual program and overall business objectives
• Engineering Process Governance.
  Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining software engineering process and tools, and ensures compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory rules and standards.
• Budget Management.Create and manage departmental budget
• Continuous Improvement Leadership.
  Oversees the continuous improvement of software engineering processes and procedures, including creating process improvement strategies and capital acquisitions, and selecting process improvement methodologies

Job Requirements:

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent in an engineering or applied science discipline.
• Experience in developing embedded hard real-time software for mission and safety critical systems as well as supporting software for support equipment, simulators, human-machine interfaces and image and signal processing
• Minimum 8+ years of broad-based engineering experience in all phases of a program working closely with a variety of commercial and government customers.
• Minimum 2+ years managing or supervising engineering teams
• Well versed in software lifecycle, software configuration management and development process such as MIL-STD-498/IEEE 12207, ECSS, DO-178 B/C, IEC 62304.
• Leadership experience in the development of Real-time Operating System (RTOS) development with VxWorks, QNX, RTEMS and Microsoft Windows as well as related device drivers.
• Familiarity with languages such as C, C++, Java, Matlab/Simulink.
• Experience in development of data interfaces using SpaceWire, LVDS, UDP, TCP/IP, RS-422, 1553B, EtherCat.
• An understanding of Avionics systems, including target computing environments such as Cortex-M, PowerPC, x86, LEON (2,3), TMS 570, 8051 as well as FPGA-based processor cores (primarily ARM-based).
• Demonstrated leadership ability that includes effective communication, interpersonal, and negotiating skills to operate effectively with all with all organizational work experience
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as a member of a highly performing technical team
• Ability to collaborate broadly with peers and stakeholders, internally within MDA, and with commercial/government partners and customers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High motivation with a proven ability to adapt quickly in dynamic environments
• Demonstrated strong technical contribution across a wide range of engineering challenges and across multiple developments
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships both within and outside of the engineering disciplines
• Strong project and technical management skills
• Team player that demonstrated high level of integrity

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #MissionMDA 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.

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.

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.

The compensation range for this position is $102,000 - $160,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.