Satellite Design 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 3,800 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 junior Satellite Design System Engineer for design, integration, verification, and operational support for current and next‑generation remote sensing and communications satellites. The design system engineer is the technical hub that ensures every spacecraft subsystem (structures, thermal, power, propulsion, C&DH, TT&C/PDT, GNC, payload‑interface, etc.) works together to meet mission objectives, cost targets and schedule constraints. The role spans the full lifecycle, from concept, designs and requirements capture through design, integration, verification, launch‑site support and on‑orbit operations.

Tasks summary:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Assist in gathering and formalising mission‑level requirements (under supervision).
• Contribute to updating satellite architecture documents (System Specification Document – SDD, Interface Control Documents – ICD) and maintain the traceability matrix.

Concept Trade & Feasibility

• Contribute multidisciplinary trade‑studies (mass vs. power vs. volume, redundancy philosophy, reliability, end‑of‑life, bus modularity, launch‑vehicle adaptation, de‑orbiting, re‑entry, etc.).

Detailed Design & Modelling

• Build SysML block models under the direction of the Lead System Engineer.
• Perform baseline calculations (power budget, centre‑of‑gravity, battery charge) following MDA standard procedures.

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Actively participate in progress reviews (System Requirements Review – SRR, Preliminary Design Review – PDR, etc.) and capture decision minutes.
• Track ICDs together with the payload‑interface coordinator, under senior oversight.

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Draft or update verification matrices (Verification Test – VT) based on existing models.
• Support test technicians during campaign set‑up and execution (vibration, TVAC, RF), including instrumentation and data acquisition

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Ensure all artefacts, analyses, software, deliverables and documents are correctly version‑controlled.
• Prepare review minutes and distribute them to all interested parties.

Launch‑Site, Orbit Support & Operations Support

• Contribute to the preparation of pre‑launch procedures.
• Analyse early post‑launch telemetry under the supervision of the SatOps Lead.

Required Qualifications:

• Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or Physics with 0-2 years of satellite system design experience on LEO/MEO/GEO missions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Spacecraft subsystems and their interactions.
• Proficiency in multi‑disciplinary engineering environment (structural, thermal, power, dynamics…etc.) and ability to interpret results for design decisions.
• Strong understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals.
• 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.