Role overview:MDA is seeking a
System Engineer to perform design, integration, verification, and operational support of
TT&C/PDT subsystems for current and next-generation remote sensing and communications satellites. The role will interface with spacecraft payload teams, ground-segment developers, and mission-operations teams to ensure reliable command delivery, high-fidelity telemetry acquisition, and robust data handling throughout the satellite life-cycle.
Tasks summary:Architecture Concept & Requirements
- Define TT&C/PDT functional architecture (command generation, uplink, telemetry downlink, on-board data handling, RF front-end).
- Conduct trade-studies for modulation schemes, coding, frequency plans, ranging and link budgets.
- 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.
Design & Development
- Lead detailed design of hardware (TT&C transceiver, RF front-ends, antenna-pointing) and software (command sequencer, telemetry parser, health-monitoring).
- Perform link-budget analysis, RF simulation (e.g., STK, Matlab), and error-budget budgeting.
- Verify compliance with CCSDS, ECSS, ITU, and regulatory standards.
- Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation
Cross-Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction
- Present technical status, risk analyses, and trade-study results to senior management.
- Negotiate and maintain ICDs and interface agreements with internal & external suppliers.
- Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-Phase A).
Integration & Verification (IVV)
- Develop test plans, procedures, and verification matrices for unit, subsystem, and spacecraft-level TT&C tests.
- Execute RF link testing, BER, command latency, and telemetry integrity verification.
- Manage anomaly investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
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
- Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables 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 command uplink, telemetry acquisition, and on-board software hand-over.
- Provide real-time C&T support during nominal and contingency operations.
- Maintain ground-segment configuration (gateways, mission control servers, monitoring dashboards).
- Support SOOH development and associated operator trainings.
Required Qualifications:- Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or related field with 2-5 years of TT&C/PDT System design experience on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms.
- knowledge of CCSDS TM/TC packet standards, ECSS telemetry & command protocols, PUS services and ITU frequency regulations.
- Proficiency in RF link-budget analysis, S-band/X-band/Ka-band modem architecture.
- 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).
