Satellite TT&C/PDT Systems Engineer at MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

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 .

Role overview:

MDA is seeking a System Engineer to perform design, integration, verification, and operational support of TT&C/PDT subsystems for current and next generation remote sensing and communications satellites. The role will interface with spacecraft payload teams, ground segment developers, and mission operations teams to ensure reliable command delivery, high fidelity telemetry acquisition, and robust data handling throughout the satellite life cycle. 

Tasks summary:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Define TT&C/PDT functional architecture (command generation, uplink, telemetry downlink, on board data handling, RF front end).
• Conduct trade studies for modulation schemes, coding, frequency plans, ranging and link budgets.
• Produce System Requirements, Interface Control (ICDs), and Description documents.
• Perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cyber security to embed resilience and security by design.

Design & Development

• Lead detailed design of hardware (TT&C transceiver, RF front ends, antenna pointing) and software (command sequencer, telemetry parser, health monitoring).
• Perform link budget analysis, RF simulation (e.g., STK, Matlab), and error budget budgeting.
• Verify compliance with CCSDS, ECSS, ITU, and regulatory standards.
• Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation

Cross Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Present technical status, risk analyses, and trade study results to senior management.
• Negotiate and maintain ICDs and interface agreements with internal & external suppliers.
• Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-Phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop test plans, procedures, and verification matrices for unit, subsystem, and spacecraft level TT&C tests.
• Execute RF link testing, BER, command latency, and telemetry integrity verification.
• Manage anomaly investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor, guide junior engineers and interns.
• Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors
• Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder
• Contribute to MDA's knowledge base, process enhancements, and standards.

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables and documentations are version controlled in PLM environment.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR etc.).
• Support Technology Road Mapping & Innovation

On Orbit & Operations Support

• Support launch pre launch and early orbit checkout - validate command uplink, telemetry acquisition, and on board software hand over.
• Provide real time C&T support during nominal and contingency operations.
• Maintain ground segment configuration (gateways, mission control servers, monitoring dashboards).
• Support SOOH development and associated operator trainings.

Required Qualifications:

• Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or related field with 15+ years of TT&C/PDT System design experience on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms.
• Strong knowledge of CCSDS TM/TC packet standards, ECSS telemetry & command protocols, PUS services and ITU frequency regulations.
• Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, S band/X band/Ka band modem architecture.
• Strong understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals, space environment and orbit mechanics.
• Hands-on individual who can support systems integration processes and capability to test systems and resolve problems.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Demonstrated capability to efficiently work with little supervision.
• Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals to solve with analysis, similarity, or creativity.
• 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.