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 60-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 3,400 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.

Summary:
The SAR Payload Product Manager is part of the Office of the Chief Architect and has the design authority of one or more Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Payload products. In this capacity, the SAR Payload Product Manager owns the product roadmap, the product strategy and the product requirements while accomplishing key activities related to product development and the management of the associated Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. The main objectives are to provide leadership in product development and life-cycle strategy, market analysis & requirements management, cost reduction strategy, pricing & bids, product technical presentations to support business development activities and business cases for new products.

Tasks:

• Own product roadmap, vision, strategy, requirements and architecture based on:
  • Inputs from customers and front-end of the business
  • Market analysis and reports
  • Competitive assessment
  • Requirements trend analysis
  • SWOT analysis
  • Corporate business objectives
  • Lessons learned on programs
• Perform product / market assessment as an input into the product development and marketing plans
• Communicate the vision, roadmap and the requirements to the Product Development Team(s) in charge of executing the product development
• Act as the product design authority within the product development team(s) and the program team(s) to define the product architecture which maximize value
• Present product roadmaps to internal stakeholders and external customers
• Technology development:
  • Propose internal R&D activities aligned with business objectives and future market needs
  • Identify external opportunities of funding for product development
  • Lead external funding proposal development as applicable, with the support of engineering and capture managers as needed
  • Manage small to medium internally funded and externally funded development programs, adhering to best program management practices and managing the allocated budget and schedule
  • Provide Product related direction to the Program Management Office for large product development programs
  • Establish long term relationships with technology development partners from industry, academia and government organizations
• Provide inputs to the yearly internal R&D plan
• Intellectual Property:
  • Promote technology innovation across the business
  • Identify newly develop IP and populate the IP catalog accordingly
  • Execute the IP strategy associated processes
  • Execute patent registration with support from inventors and external IP counsel
• Participate and/or provide inputs to Make-Buy decisions and supplier selection
• Support and/or coordinate product bids and proposal as needed
  • Support trade-offs with potential customers
  • Lead proposal team to develop winning solutions
  • Perform accurate costing (in-line with actual performance of organization)
  • Prepare pricing information, GMSR, etc. as required
  • Seek appropriate approvals
  • Prepare proposal package as required
• Provide expert guidance to:
  • Engineering: Communicate results on latest technology and product development activities. Identification of critical cost reductions
  • Business Development: Assist in prioritization of efforts to develop new markets
  • Program Management Office: Guidance in the development of a program baseline
  • Manufacturing: Identification of critical cost reductions opportunities
• Attend selected technical conferences related to the products

The SAR Payload Product Manager is responsible for a critical business function while not having direct control over the resources that are instrumental in making it happen. There is a constant struggle to rally support and adhere to the extremely demanding product development and front-end-of-the-business timelines. The SAR Payload Product Manager is thus constantly required to manage time and priorities to meet multiple conflicting deadlines.

The SAR Payload Product Manager does not have direct reports but can lead typically up to 20 employees (mostly engineers) assigned to internal/external R&D activities or proposals. The timely execution of a sound development plan combined with a strong performance on B&P activities are important drivers in our ability to win contracts and fuel our growth.

Qualifications Required :

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or equivalent technical degree
• Master or PhD degree an asset
• 5+ years experience in SAR, space experience is an asset.
• Excellent analytical and innovation capabilities
• Strong business sense in order to find optimum solutions from a technical / risk / schedule and cost point of view
• Excellent industry and market awareness
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities at once
• Self motivated with good interpersonal skills
• Is a team player and demonstrates a high level of integrity
• Ability to work in a cross-expertise team with different engineering backgrounds
• Ability to work autonomously;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work with various levels in the organisation, including sales team, senior management and VP level
• Has thorough knowledge of relevant technologies, products, services and methods.
• Focuses strongly on achieving agreed upon outcomes and ensures that key objectives are met
• Is strongly result orientated and exhibits excellent critical thinking
• Works well in a dynamic environment where some of the parameters are unknown and some change regularly
• Strives to provide customers/clients with personalized and efficient service
• Demonstrates excellent ability to cope with significant workload peaks

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the SECRET status level II, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

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.