Satellite Flight Software (FSW) Systems 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:

MDA is recruiting a junior systems engineer to contribute—under the supervision of senior engineers to the definition, design, implementation and validation of the flight‑software (FSW) and FDIR functions for our current and next‑generation remote‑sensing and communications satellites. The engineer will work primarily in a support capacity, assisting the technical lead during design studies, the preparation of interface documents, and the verification campaign, while gaining comprehensive life‑cycle experience on an embedded system.

Tasks summary:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Assist senior engineers during requirement‑gathering workshops and record the requirements in the tracking tool.
• Participate in the allocation process under the direction of the software‑project lead.
• Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to incorporate resilience from the conceptual stage.
• Update traceability links in the requirements‑management system and flag any inconsistencies to the configuration manager.

Software Architecture, Design & Development

• Define the flight‑software (FSW) architecture – RTOS, start‑up procedures, PUS services, satellite health‑monitoring, fault management, and payload interfaces.
• Define FDIR algorithms, isolation logic, recovery actions, safe‑mode sequences, and redundancy management.
• Implement or lead the integration of the FDIR logic into the flight software.
• Produce and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for payload subsystems, platform subsystems, and ground‑segment interfaces.
• Support the development and validation of the Satellite Reference Database (SRDB) and the Decision‑Support System (DSS).

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to program management, customers and partners.
• Act as liaison with payload, platform (including GNC), ground‑segment and mission‑operations teams to ensure early integration of functions and to resolve integration issues.

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Support the deployment of test‑automation tools and frameworks.
• Assist the definition of test cases, analyze test results and certify test reports.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Guide interns on their tasks and development.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for customers, partners and external suppliers.
• Participate in continuous‑improvement activities and apply lessons‑learned to future projects.
• Contribute to MDA’s knowledge base, process improvements and the development of standards.

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Ensure that all artefacts, analyses, software, deliverables and documents are version‑controlled in the PLM environment.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR, etc.).
• Assist the technology‑road‑mapping and innovation effort by providing input on emerging solutions.

On‑Orbit & Operations Support

• Support procedure developments for Satellite Modes.
• Support and analyse on‑orbit telemetry, update filter parameters, and generate SW updates as needed.
• Support SOOH development and associated operator training.

Required Qualifications:

• Sc. in Electrical engineering, Aerospace, Embedded Systems with 0-2 years of previous fault-tolerant systems on LEO/MEO/GEO missions.
• Experience working with CCSDS, ECSS, PUS services.
• Experience working with MIL-1553, SpaceWire, RS422/485, CAN, Ethernet.
• Experience in real-time cores and/or embedded Linux, Auto-coding.
• 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.