Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Operations Development

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 Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Operations Development, 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.

Role

This is a role suited for an ambitious professional wanting to solve complex problems and develop state of the art Spacecraft Operations CONOPS, processes, and procedures, including automated procedures for large constellations.

Responsibilities

As a Systems Engineer – Spacecraft Operations Development, you may have a range of responsibilities that include:

• Contributes to analyses that support the mission development such as coverage analysis, orbit selection, etc;

• Key contributor and reviewer of the spacecraft and satellite operations control center (SOCC) requirements and design from an operations perspective;
• Leads the operations planning for key operations phases such as LEOP, In-Orbit Test (Commissioning), Orbit-Raising/Lowering, Routine, and Decommissioning.
• Prepares planning documents for each operations phase.
• Leads the development of operations procedures, scripts, tools and other products for on-orbit commissioning and routine operations of the mission;
• Contributes to the development of spacecraft and SOCC verification and validation procedures;
• Responsible for the development of flight operations training plans and the oversight of their execution;
• Key participant in Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and commissioning Phase activities (potentially requiring global travel to customer sites), developing experience to lead future Mission LEOPs;
• Development of RFPs and SOWs for sub-contracted portions of the design;
• Review of design, build and test material provided by development teams and subcontractors to ensure compliance to requirements and ensure SOCC components are fit for purpose;
• Lead work planning and cost estimates for operations development work packages during the project’s lifecycle; and
• Developing team members through mentoring and coaching.

Required Experience:

• Degree or advanced degree in engineering or physics, preferably in the areas of aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering or space science
• At least 5 years experience in spacecraft operations development or combination of spacecraft design, testing and operations
• Applied knowledge of satellites and their operations, including:
  • Spacecraft attitude control
  • Orbit determination and orbit maintenance
  • Spacecraft systems (power, thermal, communications, etc)
  • Ground Segment Systems (Command and Data Handling, Mission Planning, etc)
  • Satellite operations principles and concepts
• Direct experience in spacecraft Launch and Early Phase Operations (LEOP) and spacecraft commissioning is an asset;
• Experience with spacecraft commanding/test tools;

• Have familiarity with any of the following software tools:
• AGI’s Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• Orekit
• Matlab
• Python or other scripting languages
• MS Excel, for the purposes of engineering analyses

• Experience working across contractual boundaries and directly with supplier’s teams in developing, integrating and testing software;
• 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 with large spacecraft constellations is an asset

• Experience with automated satellite operations, especially design, development and testing of new automated operations is an asset
• Experience working in development of a SOCC 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 $84,000 - $118,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

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