Satellite Command & Data‑Handling (C&DH) System Engineer

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 global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts 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.

Role overview:

MDA is seeking a Satellite C&DH System Engineer to support and/or design, integrate, verify, and support the on‑board command, control and data management functions for current and next‑generation remote sensing & communications satellite programs. The role will own the C&DH functional architecture, drive trade‑studies, and may provide technical authority throughout the spacecraft life‑cycle.

Tasks summary:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Translate mission‑level requirements into C&DH functional and non‑functional specifications.
• Produce System Requirements, Interface Control (ICDs), and Description documents.
• Perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cyber‑security to embed resilience and security by design, ECU.

Design & Development

• Lead detailed design of on‑board processors, data‑buses (SpaceWire, MIL‑1553, CAN, Ethernet), memory subsystems, and I/O interfaces.
• Support software architecture: command sequencing, telemetry packetization, health‑monitoring, services, fault‑detection‑isolation‑recovery (FDIR).
• Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to senior management and/or customers or partners.
• Work with FSW teams to define RTOS, APIs, task scheduling, real‑time operating system configuration, services usage.
• Define uplink command formatting, downlink telemetry packet structures, and ground‑segment data‑handling interfaces (mission‑control servers, data‑archiving pipelines).
• Coordinate with the TT&C/PDT engineering and Ground Segment ICDs to ensure end‑to‑end data integrity.
• Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop verification plans, test matrices, and validation procedures for unit, subsystem, and spacecraft level C&DH tests.
• Execute functional tests, bus‑protocol compliance, SIL and HIL campaigns.
• Manage anomaly investigations, root‑cause analysis, and corrective‑action implementation.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor, guide junior engineers and interns.
• Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors
• Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder
• Contribute to MDA’s knowledge‑base, process enhancements, and standards.

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Author and maintain C&DH standards (bus protocols, data‑format conventions, redundancy policies).
• Ensure all artefacts, analysis and documentations are version controlled in PLM environment.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR…etc.).
• Support Technology Road‑Mapping & Innovation

On‑Orbit & Operations Support

• Support launch‑pre‑launch and early‑orbit checkout, validate satellite functions, HK and nominal operation
• Support and analyse on‑orbit telemetry, update filter parameters as needed.
• Support SOOH development and associated operator trainings

Required Qualifications:

• Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or related field with 5+ years of C&DH engineering experience on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms.
• Deep knowledge of spacecraft data‑bus standards: SpaceWire, MIL‑1553, CAN‑A, Ethernet, CCSDS packet telemetry/command and PUS services.
• Knowledge in processor, FPGA, firmware and embedded
• Strong understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals, space environment and orbit mechanics.
• Hands-on individual who can support systems integration processes and capability to test systems and resolve problems.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Demonstrated capability to efficiently work with little supervision.
• Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals to solve with analysis, similarity, or creativity.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French will be considered an asset (Contact with clients outside Quebec and work on deliverables in English).

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.