Mechanical Engineering Manager

The Company:

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. With 40 years of operational experience and proven performance on the iconic Canadarm programs including Space Shuttle and International Space Station robotics and operations support, our Robotics & Space Operations team has 100% mission success in making space dreams come true.

About you:

Are you an experience people manager with a strong background in Mechanical Engineering. Do you have a passion for leading high-performing teams and driving technological innovation? If so, we want you to join our Brampton team.

Who We're Looking For:

The Manager, Mechanical Engineering is a member of the engineering leadership team and reports directly to the Director, Engineering. The Manager is responsible for a large team in the design, implementation and testing of all aspects of mechanical engineering and design office.  Mechanical engineering responsibilities includes mechanism design and analysis, materials engineering, structural engineering, thermal engineering, and design office activities from initial concept design through to manufacture, qualification, delivery, and support of mission operations.

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.

• Engineering Process and Tools. Establish and modernize the engineering process and tools that are used by the team to optimize engineering performance in the context of business needs.
• Bid Solution Validation. Validates and assesses technical merit, scope sufficiency, risk management, cost-effectiveness, and resource availability for costed solutions in proposals to customers as part of the engineering management organization.  Confers with project management, production, business development, and bids & proposal staff to establish appropriate project specifications and procedures.

• Independent Review Team. 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 Mechanical 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 commercial robotic systems. Oversees 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 Facilitation. Provides Mechanical Engineering leadership and staffing expertise to support the demand of MDA Programs, R&D, and Business Development.  Ensures that staffing supports the demand of current and future MDA programs.

• Continuous Improvement Advocacy and Management. Identifies, supports, and promotes innovation and continuing process improvements within the Mechanical Engineering department and across the business. Ensures the usage and procurement and of up-to-date tools within the department.  Plans and directs the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of operations and test facilities/ equipment.

• Budget Management. Plans, provides rationale, and administers department operating budgets.

Job Requirements:

• The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with experience in Mechanical Design, including design for manufacture and assembly principles and planning for the development of safety- and mission-critical mechanisms, structures, and tools.
• 10+ years of broad-based engineering experience in all phases of a program working closely with a variety of commercial and government customers.
• 5+ years managing or supervising engineering teams.
• Deep understanding of mechanical design and analysis principles for mechanisms, materials, thermal, and structures engineering.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting mechanical technical drawings, ability to generate high quality technical reports, test plans/ procedures, investigation/analysis reports.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrications processes to assess, troubleshoot and work collaboratively with designers.
• 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.
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills are essential to this position.  

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.

Benefits:

• MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages including relocation and visa sponsorship. 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.

 

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 Ltd. 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 $120,000 - $150,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.