Flight Controller / Flight Operations Lead (Space Industry)

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.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We are on the hunt for robotic Mission Systems & Operations Engineers to join the Robotics & Space Operations team at our Brampton (Ontario, Canada) office as well as our team in St Hubert (Quebec, Canada- on site at the Canadian Space Agency) who will focus on the on-orbit operations of our space manipulator systems controlled from the ground and by astronauts.

The Flight Operations Leads will support user-centric development of robotic space systems and ground infrastructure for government and industry customers, stand up and lead a robotic operations teams, and define & test tools and processes that support a variety of manned and unmanned spaceflight operations. Destinations include Lunar Outpost (Gateway), the International Space Station, Commercial LEO space station, on-orbit servicing customers and deep space exploration initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this exciting role, you will have a direct impact in supporting and enabling the success of human spaceflight exploration and commercial on-orbit servicing initiatives. Duties would include some or all of the following:

• Lead a flight operations team and make decisions which can have consequences for human lives and multi-billion dollar commercial and international space assets. Manage risk in building a mission and resolving issues pre-flight and real-time
• Make decisions during spaceflight missions and manage robotics assets, ground resources and associated payload operations to ensure crew and vehicle safety
• Lead development of human and unmanned spaceflight missions through coordination with programs, technical discipline experts, the CSA/NASA Astronaut Office, safety organizations, international partners, commercial customers, Payloads Operations, and other mission-specific stakeholders
• Define and enforce user centric design principles across all aspects of space & ground robotic system software and hardware through coordination with technical teams, definition of requirements, testing, and support of agile development cycles
• Develop and evaluate mission objectives according to programmatic guidelines and constraints. Develop and execute Flight Plans according to programmatic mission requirements. Develop and enforce Mission Rules to ensure crew and vehicle safety
• Responsibility for the development, coordination, and execution of testing for certification of flight readiness of space hardware, software, and ground systems
• Responsibility for the definition, development, coordination, certification, and approval for flight execution of all needed operational procedures, manuals, and flight rules for operating critical space hardware
• Identifying staffing needs for mission control facilities that balances cost effective measures with maintaining the high standards and safety requirements of human space flight and commercial mission operations
• Overseeing the recruitment and development of highly skilled staff to remotely and safely operate complex, mission-critical robotic systems
• Directing and helping to develop certification plans for flight operators and support staff within MDA’s Mission Control Facilities- including:
  • Adapting Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and National Aeronautics Space Administration’s (NASA) Human spaceflight processes for MDA
  • Tailoring flight operations for a variety commercial customer needs.
• Determine and implement a course of action for contingency situations in the areas of robotic systems and dynamic vehicle interaction, and ground systems to resolve malfunctions and restore the mission to a normal operational state
• Lead multi-disciplinary program teams across different sites to meet technical, schedule and cost requirements.
• Maintain program visibility at the customer level through regular technical, management, and progress m Liaise with customers to maintain effective relationships to instill and enhance the customer's confidence in MDA's quality systems and products
• Demonstrate leadership across the organization; promoting common core values

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of space flight operations experience – controlling mission critical systems in a human spaceflight environment
• Minimum 5 years direct experience in simulations, or training of space flight, military or other safety/mission-critical hardware and/or software
• The applicant should be familiar with the Mobile Servicing System (Canadarm2 and Dextre) and International Space Station operations as well have expertise in some of MSS hardware elements
• Some experience in standing up a command and control center- such as space operations or military center would be an asset
• Candidate should have strong robotics educational background and/or interest in the field
• Familiarity with human spaceflight safety protocols and best practices, including risk assessment and hazard identification
• Experience in flight operations or mission control, preferably with a focus on human spaceflight. Alternatively, experience in satellite space operations would also be an asset
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure
• Ability to multi-task effectively and manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information to a diverse group of stakeholders
• Familiarity with software and tools used in flight operations, such as mission control software and telemetry systems
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively with flight controllers, engineers, and astronauts
• Willingness to work flexible hours and be available for emergency situations as required
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety in all aspects of the job
• Familiarity with NASA and Flight Operations culture and processes
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in engineering or technical field
• Experience with government space agency programs
• Great interpersonal skills
• Team player demonstrating a high level of integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Conflict management skills in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Results-oriented and exhibits excellent critical thinking
• Strives to provide customers/clients with personalized and efficient service
• Ability to cope with significant workload peaks
• Ability to travel as required

While this role will eventually be based in Canada, MDA Space is open to having this new hire be based in our Houston Texas (Johnson Space Center) location to start and once Canadian Security is obtained, this role and the hire will relocate to Canada. (Brampton Ontario) 

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 Space 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 Space and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age. 

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. 

Benefits statement:

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA Space, 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.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA Space 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.

Accommodations

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 $126,702.00 - $174,214.00 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

 

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