Digital Payload Principal System Engineer

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.

We are on the hunt for Digital Payload Principal System Engineer on our Satellite Systems team at our Montreal office.

As the leading global independent commercial supplier of antennas, payloads, and electronics for communication and radar satellites, our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions in the past 60 years. With an extensive heritage in a wide range of solutions delivered to customers globally, our Satellite Systems team continues to grow and evolve on the ground and in the stars.

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.

Role :

Work includes program and proposal efforts, front-end architecture and design of the most advanced LEO and MEO Communication Satellite Constellations with very high data rate systems.

Tasks :

The Digital Payload Principal System Engineer is responsible for the architecture design, analysis, implementation, optimization of end-to-end communication digital payload systems and sub-systems for high capacity constellations. The tasks will include:

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  Lead the design of communication satellite payloads and end-to-end telecommunications of constellation

  
  


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  Liaise discussions with our customers and program

  
  


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  Perform requirement analysis and detailed trade

  
  


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  Lead and contribute to capacity analysis to evaluate satellite

  
  


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  Lead and contribute to design reviews over the full Space Programs Life Cycle

  
  


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  System requirements definition and flow down for subsystem such as:

  
  
  
  
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    Onboard Digital Processor

    
    
  
  
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    Direct Radiating Phased Array Antenna

    
    
  
  
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    Optical Intra-Satellite Links

    
    
  
  
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    Feeder Subsystems

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Supervise & generate test plans

  
  

Required Qualifications:

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  Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Physics or equivalent or other relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  
  


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  This position requires a minimum of 15+ years of experience in payload

  
  


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  Demonstrated experience in leading multi-disciplinary engineering

  
  


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  Relevant experience in Satellite LEO/MEO Constellation Architecture and System Design

  
  


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  Good understanding of the architectures, trades and budgets related to:

  
  
  
  
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    Digital communication equipment

    
    
  
  
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    Signal processing and Modulation schemes

    
    
  
  
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    Antennas key performance parameters

    
    
  
  
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    Digital communication equipment, signal processing and Networking

    
    
  
  
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    SDR (Software Defined Radio)

    
    
  
  
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    Routing protocols & Class of Service

    
    
  
  
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    Knowledge of 5G NTN will be considered favorably

    
    
  
  
  
  

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  Knowledge of simulation tools is desirable

  
  


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  Understanding of software development with Agile method

  
  


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  Understanding of the space environment and orbit mechanics

  
  


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  Knowledge of aerospace systems and engineering fundamentals

  
  


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  Ability to fragment complex problems as well as strong analytic and problem solving skills

  
  


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  Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communications skills in French

  
  


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  Knowledge of English will be considered favorably Contact with customers outside Quebec).

  
  


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  Excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethic

  
  

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 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.

Equal opportunity statement:

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.