Sr Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Flight Dynamics

Company Overview

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 Position

We’re on the hunt for a Senior Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Flight Dynamics, at our Richmond office or Montreal office, to be a part of the next generation of space missions.

As a member of the Engineering team you will work on our programs such as the CHORUS Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite, Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope, Aeronautical Navigation products, and Maritime Insights products. You will work as part of a technical team to develop new capabilities, enhance existing capabilities and deliver 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.

This is a role suited for an ambitious professional wanting to solve complex problems and develop state of the art Satellite Operations Control Centre (SOCC) for large constellations.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Flight Dynamics, you may have a range of responsibilities that include:

• development and maintenance of spacecraft navigation and flight dynamic requirements for the mission, SOCC and SOCC sub-system levels;
• design and maintenance of SOCC concept of operations, operations procedures, training and rehearsal plans;
• mission analyses and simulations to support the design and development of the SOCC in areas such as maneuver planning, collision avoidance, operator workload, automated operations, etc;

• review all satellite and ground system component designs that rely on or contribute to flight dynamics to ensure a sound SOCC design;
• review of design material provided by Subcontractors to ensure compliance to requirements;
• development of integration, verification and validation plans and procedures for flight dynamic components of the SOCC;
• engage with other teams, functions and sub-contractors to ensure issues affecting flight dynamics across mission, spacecraft, and SOCC are brought to satisfaction resolution through out all phases of design, development, test and commissioning;
• development of training materials for Satellite Operators for routine operations, anomaly resolution, collision avoidance, etc;
• support to commissioning teams (including travel globally to customer sites) to address issues, contribute to customer operator training, and participate in Launch and Early Operations (LEOP);
• mentoring and coaching team members.

Required Experience

• Degree or advanced degree in engineering or physics, preferably in the areas of aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering or space science
• At least 10 years experience in a space systems development or operations environment

• Advanced knowledge and practical application experience in orbital mechanics
• Ability to develop and modify orbit modeling software
• Experience with orbit modelling tools such as STK or Orekit
• Experience with orbit determination tools such as ODTK or Orekit
• Experience with scripting languages such as Matlab and Python
• Demonstrated organizational skills; capable of managing priorities, initiating activities, developing execution plans, and executing schedule with the agility to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and as part of a dynamic team
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Working language is in English
• Passion for innovation
• Ability to travel globally for LEOP and SOCC commissioning
• A team-friendly attitude and willingness to learn
• Experience in software development of large, complex, mission critical systems is an asset

• Experience working in development of a SOCC is an asset
• Experience with automated satellite operations, especially design, development and testing of new automated operations is an asset

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).

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.

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 proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process.  Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

The compensation range for this position is $103,000 - $151,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.