Director - System Engineering

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 Description:

In a matrix organization, the Director, System Engineering provides strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight for the system‑engineering group that designs, integrates, and validates the complex satellites and End-to-End systems. Partnering with the Chief Architect, Director of Engineering, program managers, and senior business leaders, the incumbent establishes system‑engineering standards, allocates skilled resources to every program, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership – Define and execute the system‑engineering roadmap aligned with satellite systems objectives; shape organizational structure, career paths, and resourcing models for the system‑engineering community.


• Proposals and Programs Support – Provide cost‑effective guidance for the system work.


• Process Improvement – Lead continuous improvement of system‑engineering processes, methods, standards, policies and guidelines (MBSE, requirements management, verification & validation).


• Resource Allocation – Supply skilled system‑engineering resources for program, proposal, research‑development, and technology‑development activities.


• Program Execution Resources – Deploy and manage system‑engineering talent for all active satellite programs, ensuring on‑time delivery of architecture, interface control, and integration deliverables.


• Complex Issue Resolution – Synthesize solutions for high‑impact technical challenges that involve multiple disciplines and intangible variables; allocate expert resources to resolve them.


• Competitiveness & Lessons Learned – Drive business‑process improvements and institutionalize lessons learned to boost operational competitiveness.


• Risk Management – Participate in risk‑identification workshops; develop mitigation strategies for system‑level risks and track their implementation.


• Innovation & IR&D – Keep abreast of technology trends, new satellite architectures, and product improvements; recommend initiatives to the Chief Architect for Internal Research & Development (IR&D) and product management.


• Talent Acquisition & Development – Oversee hiring of system‑engineers; ensure robust training, mentoring, and career‑planning programs for the discipline.


• Performance Management – Conduct performance appraisals for direct reports and contribute to evaluations of indirect reports; foster a high‑performance culture.


• Capacity Optimization – Balance engineering capacity across all system‑engineering disciplines to meet current and future program demands without excess.


• Budget & Financial Stewardship – Own the system‑engineering annual budget; develop forecasts, control expenditures, and ensure adherence to cost targets.

Leadership and Management:

• Manage all system‑engineering staff, including planning, staffing, budgeting, and expense prioritization.


• Create and revise policies when existing guidance does not fully address new or unique situations, maintaining compliance and responsibility.


• Assess external environmental factors (regulatory changes, market trends, technology shifts) and apply independent judgment to mitigate risk and capture opportunity.


• Define and implement a long‑term roadmap for system‑engineering capabilities, identifying new opportunities and optimizing existing processes.


• Communicate the company’s vision, mission, and objectives to managers and contributors, ensuring alignment across the organization.

Key Competencies:

• Communication – Articulate complex technical and business concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences; negotiate and influence stakeholders.


• Leadership – Inspire and direct management and contributor levels on critical projects; build high‑performing, collaborative teams.


• Analytical Thinking – Diagnose complex system issues, prioritize key problems, and develop effective, data‑driven solutions.


• Business Intelligence – Leverage market and competitive intelligence to guide strategic decisions and risk mitigation.


• Market Awareness – Stay current on aerospace and communications trends, emerging satellite technologies, and competitor activities.


• Collaboration – Work seamlessly with cross‑functional teams (engineering, product, business development, launch partners).


• Innovation – Drive creative problem‑solving and the development of breakthrough satellite system architectures.

Required Work Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 15 years of progressive system‑engineering experience in space or high‑reliability programs; at least 5 years in senior leadership.


• Proven track record delivering complete systems architectures, from concept through verification.


• Expertise in communications or radar systems


• Deep expertise in MBSE, requirements management (DOORS, Jama, etc.), system‑level testing, and interface control.


• Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically dispersed technical teams.


• Strong decision‑making under uncertainty and expert conflict‑resolution skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication; fluency in English and French (Contact with customers outside Quebec).


• Ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance (Secret or higher) when required.

Education and License Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical, or related engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).

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.