Junior Systems Engineer, Satellite Missions

MDA

MDA

Software Engineering

Richmond, BC, Canada

Posted on May 19, 2026

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 3,800 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:

MDA is seeking a Junior Systems Member of Technical Staff (MTS), Satellite Missions to support system-level activities across earth observation and remote sensing satellite programs. They will contribute to the definition, design, integration, verification and sustainment of SAR 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 Junior Systems MTS, Satellite Missions you may have a wide range of responsibilities that may include:

  • Support requirements development, traceability, and system-level design documentation
  • Translate mission and customer needs into lower-level feature and subsystem requirements
  • Perform engineering analyses and trade-off studies to support system and subsystem definition
  • Contribute to mission analyses (e.g., link budgets, delta-v budgets, pointing budgets, coverage analysis, orbital/flight dynamics)
  • Review spacecraft and ground segment requirements and design from an operations perspective
  • Support technical reviews of subcontractor material and help ensure compliance to requirements
  • Develop operations procedures, scripts, tools, and training products for commissioning and routine operations
  • Support verification and validation activities; participate in operations validation testing, exercises, and rehearsals
  • Participate in Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT)
  • Participate in LEOP, commissioning, and transition to routine operations
  • Support work planning and cost estimates during the project lifecycle
  • You will support intermediate and senior engineers in the above tasks and have opportunities for career growth.

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering Physics or Applied Mathematics
  • Familiarity with analysis and scripting tools (e.g., Matlab, Python) and MS Excel for engineering analyses
  • Familiarity with Systems Tool Kit (STK) and MS Office
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong problem solving skills and the ability to perform in a dynamic environment
  • Team-friendly attitude, willingness to learn, and self-starter mindset
  • While not mandatory, candidates will benefit from familiarity with engineering life cycles, requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Windchill), satellite remote sensing/earth observation, and/or orbital mechanics and spacecraft design/operations

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 $72,000 to 82,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.