Aerospace Assembly Technician

About MDA:

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 Role:

We are on the hunt for an Aerospace Assembly Technician, at our Richmond, BC, Canada office, who wants to be a part of the next generation of Earth Observation missions. Working together with other experienced technicians and engineering staff, the Aerospace Assembly Technician will support the new Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program for Canada’s latest acquisition of a fleet of remote piloted aircrafts.

From detecting changes in fragile ecosystems to monitoring northern ice floes and shipping routes, our near-real time Earth observation makes our Geointelligence team a leader in geospatial imagery, ground stations, enterprise geospatial systems and defence programs. Combined, we have 30+ years of experience delivering projects such as RADARSAT-2, RapidEye, Sapphire, CASSIOPE, RADARSAT Constellation Mission and now the CHORUS Constellation of SAR satellites to commercial and governmental enterprises.

As an Aerospace Assembly Technician for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System program (RPAS), you will be part of an experienced team assembling, testing, integrating and maintaining complex electro-mechanical flight control systems, called Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), for a large fleet of Canada’s Remotely Piloted Aircrafts. You will be working with classified information and with sensitive equipment and are expected to complete all tasks and responsibilities with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity. You must have the demonstrated ability to follow instructions and employ your skills and experience in this tightly regulated environment. However, you are also encouraged to question the status quo and identify areas of concern and to bring forward recommendations for improvements.

This role could require extensive international domestic and travel to the RPAS OEM for on-the-job training and to the customer’s operational facility for commissioning activities.

Job Responsibilities:

As an Aerospace Assembly Technician you have a wide range of responsibilities that include:

• Assembling, testing and troubleshooting complex RPAS ground control stations by following existing instructions while employing your knowledge from specialized on-the- job training and previous experiences, as well as industry best practices.
• Following existing test procedures and completing related QA documents as needed to confirm and demonstrate that functional and performance specifications are being met.
• Integrating, commissioning and maintaining RPAS ground control stations at the customer site as needed.
• Actively supporting the engineering team in troubleshooting and failure investigations as well as the implementation of improvements and corrective actions.
• Supporting the general assembly operation by performing material and product inspections, conducting performance and acceptance tests, and moving materials, parts, tools, and products as needed.
• Supporting calibration and maintenance of tools, gauges and measurement devices in accordance with existing processes and instructions.
• Depending on shifting workloads and project priorities, you may be asked to support administrative work or to create documents, instructions, or reports.
• Other duties and responsibilities similar in nature and complexity as is deemed necessary to support ever changing project of business priorities.
• Be an active participant in the MDA UAV Services Safety Management System:
• Competently execute maintenance and work activities within regulatory Health & Safety and technical airworthiness regulations.
• Be an active participant in the MDA UAV/RPAS Services Flight Safety Program.
• Performing RPAS Maintenance Certification and Release activities.
• Controlling the RPAS ground control station software and hardware configurations.
• Using RPAS System maintenance manuals as per the formal training program.
• Assume responsibilities for sustainment of the assembly and maintenance infrastructure:
• Manage tools, test equipment, ground support equipment and applicable calibration requirements at factory and/or site.
• Manage maintenance publications and forms templates.
• Assist with maintenance of Site electrical generators and power distribution systems.
• Perform Inventory Management & Logistics activities:
• Manage stock of RPAS parts at the factory and/or site
• Perform online inventory management system transactions:
• Receipts
• Consumption
• Parts Orders
• Field Repair Requests
• Maintenance Job Card summary inputs
• Perform receiving inspection of parts.
• Raise repair and shipping documentation for parts leaving the factory or site.
• Perform routine inventory stock checks and audits.

Job Requirements:

• Successful completion of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer course at a Transport Canada approved training organization or other civilian or military equivalent.
• Manned aircraft maintenance experience highly desirable, UAV/RPAS experience an asset.
• Previous military/civilian operational experience and deployed experience an asset.
• Willing to be trained, if not already certified on new RPAS types (attendance on OEM- approved Technician Course with exam pass).
• We are a dynamic business and adapting to changing job responsibilities and program requirements may be required – continuous education may be expected to perform additional duties in the future.
• Have a full understanding and experience of technical airworthiness and Safety Management System disciplines.
• Interpreting technical drawings and schematics, and following instructions to assemble, test, and validate complex electro-mechanical assemblies under the guidance of senior technical and engineering staff.

• Depending on the specific product and project requirements, you may need to operate powered and manual hand tools, machinery, computers or automated systems.
• Ability to work in a shop floor environment on a day-to-day basis and assembling complex products.
• Commissioning and maintenance of products in the field in uncontrolled environments.
• Familiarity with structured assembly environments, inspection and test processes, as well as with quality assurance concepts and documentation is an asset.

• Familiar with computers and MS Office applications. Ability and willingness to learn operation of ERP systems and QA software systems.
• A high degree of personal integrity and the ability to work with and uphold classified information is essential.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and adaptive to new challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Comments/Special Considerations:

• Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the NATO Secret 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 Space 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 $60,000-80,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.