MDA SpaceVerified Job Source

Sr Mission Systems Engineer

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
On-site
Posted Jun 15, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 38 hours per week

Job summary

The Senior Mission Systems Engineer will lead mission design trade-offs, develop system requirements, and oversee the full satellite mission life cycle. They are responsible for technical oversight, verification and validation activities, and mentoring the mission technical team.

Job details

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 4000 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 [http://www.mda.space/]. Responsibilities As a Sr Mission Systems Engineer you may have a wide range of responsibilities that include: * working with the customer and end user to understand their needs and translate those needs to develop and maintain the system requirements from the mission level down to the major subsystem level (Bus, Payload and Ground Segment); * leading the mission design trade-off studies to design and develop the overall mission subsystems. Including technical, cost, schedule and risk trades; * leading development and generation of deliverable documents such as engineering plans, engineering budgets, design reports, specifications and operational concepts; * overseeing the analyses to support the mission development such as link budgets, coverage analyses, geolocation accuracy, pointing budgets, etc.; * oversee the satellite mission full life cycle * overseeing the development and maintenance of interface control documents between the major mission subsystems (e.g. Bus to Payload) ; * developing make-buy strategies for key technologies and key decision maker in oversight of product/project level make-buy decisions; * overseeing the review of design material provided by Subcontractors to ensure compliance to requirements; * overseeing the development and execution of spacecraft test, commissioning and operational procedures; * Ultimate responsibility for the verification and validation activities of the overall mission; * leading Engineering Review Teams for large bids and programs to ensure sound technical solutions, realistic costings and executable plans; and * coaching, mentoring and inspiring the mission technical team to create and deliver cutting edge space-based earth observation missions. Required Experience: * Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering Physics or Applied Mathematics; * 10 +years experience in a relevant field. * Experience or knowledge in satellites and their applications, including: * Telecommunication, Optical or SAR remote sensing, * Spacecraft attitude control, orbit determination, and orbit maintenance * Spacecraft systems such power control/generation/storage and communications * Flight software and data interfaces * Spacecraft operations * Have familiarity with any of the following software tools: * Matlab * MBSE * MS Excel, for the purposes of engineering analyses * Systems Tool Kit * Requirements Management tools such as Windchill or equivalent * Have excellent verbal and written communication skills * An understanding of different types of engineering life cycles as applicable from large complex programs to software development * Self-starter with the ability to perform in a dynamic working environment * Possess excellent problem solving skills * A team-friendly attitude and willingness to learn * 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.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or physics field and possess over 10 years of experience in the space industry. Proficiency in satellite systems, engineering analysis tools, and strong communication skills are required.

Benefits

• Extended healthcare • Flexible drug plans • Dental benefits • Vision benefits • Disability income protection • Life insurance • Group retirement savings plans • Employee and family assistance program