Flight Controller – Mission Systems & Operations

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space 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 3,400 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.

For more information, visit www.mda.space.

We’re on the hunt for robotic Mission Systems & Operations Engineers to join our Robotics & Space Operations team at our Houston, Texas office.

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.

As a Flight Controller, you will support user-centric development of robotic space systems and ground infrastructure for government and industry customers, be a part of a robotic operations team, and help to 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.

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:

Responsibilities:

• Support a flight operations team and make decisions which can have consequences for human lives and multi-billion dollar commercial and international space assets. Help to 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
• Support 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
• Help 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
• Support the development and evaluation of mission objectives according to programmatic guidelines and constraints. Help to develop and execute Flight Plans according to programmatic mission requirements. Support the enforcement of Mission Rules to ensure crew and vehicle safety
• Support the development, coordination, and execution of testing for certification of flight readiness of space hardware, software, and ground systems
• Support the definition, development, coordination, certification, and approval for flight execution of all needed operational procedures, manuals, and flight rules for operating critical space hardware
• Support the determination and implementation of 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
• Support multi-disciplinary program teams across different sites to meet technical, schedule and cost requirements.
• Support the maintenance of 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
• 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

 

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.

 

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