Systems Engineer, Missions

Richmond, BC
On-site
Posted Nov 6, 2026
1 position

$86,000–$130,000 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English

Job summary

The Systems Engineer will contribute to the definition, design, integration, and verification of satellite missions and payloads. Responsibilities include managing system requirements, performing trade-off studies, and overseeing spacecraft test and operations procedures.

Job details

ABOUT MDA SPACE 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 [http://www.mda.space/]. Role: MDA is seeking a Systems Member of Technical Staff (MTS) - Missions to support system-level activities across Earth and space observation satellite missions. They will independently contribute to the definition, design, integration, verification, and sustainment of missions, systems, and payloads across multiple satellite programs and will work with a world-leading team to perform system-level tradeoffs, prototype new innovations, and drive technology roadmaps forward. Responsibilities: As a Systems MTS - Missions, you may have a wide range of responsibilities that may 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, Ground Segment); * participation in the mission design trade-off studies to design and develop the overall mission subsystems, leading a small team in specific tasks within the larger study; * the development and generation of deliverable documents such as engineering budgets, design reports, and operational concepts; * the analyses to support the mission development such as link budgets, coverage analyses, geolocation accuracy, pointing and pointing knowledge budgets, etc.; * the development and maintenance of interface control documents between the major mission subsystems (e.g. Bus to Payload) ; * the review of design material provided by Subcontractors to ensure compliance to requirements; * the development of spacecraft test procedures and oversight of their execution; * the verification activities of the overall mission; and * the development of operations procedures and products for on-orbit commissioning and routine operations of the mission. Required Experience: * Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering Physics or Applied Mathematics; * Minimum of 5-10 years in a relevant field. * Experience or knowledge in satellites and their applications, including: * 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 * MS Excel, for the purposes of engineering analyses * Systems Tool Kit * Requirements Management tools such as DOORS * 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 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. The compensation range for this position is $86,000 - $130,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or physics field and possess 5-10 years of experience in satellite applications. Proficiency in engineering analysis tools and strong communication skills are required, along with the ability to obtain security clearance.