Your space-enabled career begins here

Mission Control located in Ottawa, Canada. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our team.

About Us

Mission Control empowers explorers to advance their space missions. We innovate to make , unlocking the potential of new scientific and commercial opportunities on Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond.

We have a clear vision: to be a workplace where a diverse and thoughtful mix of talented people want to learn and do their best work. We are inspired by a vision of the world in which access to space is ubiquitous and inspires all humans to treasure planet Earth and marvel at the universe.

Please visit our website to learn more about our team and ongoing projects: https://missioncontrolspace.com.

About the Job

Mission Control is seeking a Systems Engineer to support the expansion of our technology portfolio of solutions for robotic space missions. As part of our team, you will develop technology that pushes the boundaries of the possible for operating and automating space robotic missions with a particular emphasis on planetary rovers. The ideal candidate is passionate about building solutions to automate and operate space robotics across Technology Readiness Levels. The successful candidate will support technical leadership across our projects and products with a focus on system architecture, requirements definition and management, assembly, integration and test, verification and validation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We are seeking candidates who enjoy critical and strategic thinking, thrive on technical communication with multiple stakeholders internally and externally, and find creative solutions to meet the challenges of everything from fundamental R&D to flight missions.

You could be a good fit for this role if you are passionate about making an impact on the space sector and want to contribute to growing a small company from the ground up! You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks with the potential to make a difference in the emerging space economy, so you must be a versatile self-starter who works well in teams and is not afraid to learn something new.

You will support and become a critical member of our team – a team of engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts, who are passionate about being part of humanity’s next bold steps in space exploration, with a view to inspiring the next generation and the public through our work and our contributions to exploring the solar system!

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a Systems Engineer, you will:

• Lead system design and architecture for lunar rover technologies, including avionics, guidance navigation and control (GN&C), sensors, communication, ground segment, control subsystems and rover software and firmware.
• Define, document, and manage hardware and software requirements, ensuring traceability across all mission segments.
• Specify, design, and validate mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, and software interfaces between avionics, embedded computers, sensors, actuators, payloads and users.
• Collaborate with experts in GN&C, rover mobility, and operations to ensure robust integration and compatibility.
• Oversee the integration of visual navigation sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR), and GN&C algorithms with spacecraft avionics and embedded systems.
• Develop and manage ICDs (Interface Control Documents) for mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, software and user interfaces, ensuring compliance with space industry and other applicable standards.
• Conduct system-level verification and validation, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), field tests and environmental qualification.
• Drive multidisciplinary design reviews and technical trade studies.
• Identify and mitigate system-level risks, focusing on interface robustness, data integrity, timing/synchronization, fault tolerance, redundancy and maintenance and serviceability.
• Support mission planning and operational readiness, liaising with ground segment and operations teams.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of rigorous systems engineering and technical excellence.

Skills and Experience

As a Systems Engineer you have:

• of work experience in complex multidisciplinary engineering projects; space robotics, satellite, defence or autonomous vehicles highly desirable.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, e.g. engineering, physics, data science, computer science, mathematics etc., graduate degree an asset
• Hands-on experience with space avionics and electrical/data/software interfaces (e.g., SpaceWire, CAN, UART, Ethernet, I2C, RS-422).
• Experience developing and managing ICDs and interface specifications.
• Familiarity with GN&C, embedded software, and visual navigation sensor development and integration.
• Proficiency with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama) and systems modeling languages (e.g., SysML/UML).
• Skilled in hardware/software integration, simulation, and test methodologies including HIL.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate across disciplines.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Bonus points for: Experience with ROS, C/C++, cFS, YAMCS; experience with space-qualified hardware, sensors and avionics; prior space mission development or operations experience; systems safety and reliability; knowledge of relevant space standards (e.g. ECSS, CCSDS).

Soft skills:

• Ability to prioritize workload and work efficiently and autonomously.
  
• Proven capacity to meet deadlines in an environment with constantly shifting priorities; ready to showcase your organizational and time management skills.
  
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and strong decision-making skills.
  
• Motivated/skilled in finding new processes/tools to improve workflow.
  
• Professional level written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  
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  Bonus points for: Experience with project management (including MS Project), experience in management of a team of more than five individuals, experience interfacing directly with senior leadership and customers, knowledge in establishment of quality management processes and procedures.

Special Comments

Security: Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance in Canada at the reliability status level (and potentially at the higher levels), and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Due to the security clearance required for Mission Control's facility, only Canadian Citizen's and Permanent Residents are eligible at this time.

Location

Mission Control is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Some travel may be required at certain times for this role, always following the Health and Safety Guidance of the Government of Canada.

What’s In It For You?

• Be on the forefront of space exploration and the emerging commercial space industry.
• Work to solve problems with a team of intelligent, fun people!
• Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package including vacation pay, wellness plan (health, vision, dental) and unlimited unpaid time off.
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.
• Two weeks of sick/personal leave per year.
• Employee Stock Option plan for equity sharing.
• Flexible working hours.
• Work in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It is extremely important to us that all employees feel safe and supported at work, and feel able to bring their whole selves to work.
• Be part of a family-friendly company, where we understand the needs of working parents with young children (because many of us are too!).
• Bi-weekly coffee chats for connecting with colleagues socially, and for mentorship by senior staff

How To Apply

Please apply directly through this posting, or send your application by email to hr@missioncontrolspace.com. Application materials include:

• Cover letter and resume as a single PDF (required)
• Portfolio material, references, or other indications of exceptional past work (optional)

During the hiring process we may ask to see examples of previous work or ask for a small project.

As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we accept and encourage anonymized resumes.

We will accept applications until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.