Junior Security Administrator

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) 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 MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK 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.

The Position:

Reporting to the Director, Industrial Security, the CGP & Security Administrator is responsible for processing, monitoring and maintaining MDA’s personal security clearances to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations set forth by the Canadian Government under the Contracts Security Program “CSP” and Controlled Goods Program “CGP”, and also meet MDA’s internal security requirements.

The Security Admin will be responsible for continuous improvement, anticipate changing customer needs and changes, demonstrate vision in advancing tools, technology, processes, and be well integrated in the community to stay abreast of best practices.

You will demonstrate a capability to balance the legal implications of current security requirements to ensure that business continues at all times in conformance with the law. This role will also require an ability to find creative solutions to problems.

Job Responsibilities:

• Complete administration of MDA’s security clearances required for the Industrial Security Program and Controlled Goods Program (CGP)


• Follow-up with Government agencies on pending security clearances


• In coordination with Human Resources and/or Talent Acquisition team, gather all information and documents required for the successful submission of request for security clearances to the required Government Agencies


• Accept the appointment and undertake duties of an Alternate Company Security Officer (ACSO) and Designated Official (DO)


• Follow-up with new employees to obtain pending or missing information or documents required to obtain security clearances


• Monitor expirations and process renewals for existing security clearances


• Provide training on security procedures to MDA employees.


• Report risks to management on a periodic basis highlighting any issues and complex cases.


• Provide status to internal managers on pending security clearances


• When required, contact references or other parties to verify background information related to security processes


• Support with daily activities required for the proper record keeping of security clearances.


• Tasks related to security such as processing Visitors, flowing security requirements, communications with other partners for security related matters, communicating with MDA’s facilities team regarding badges and building access matters.


• Assists actively in the creation and implementation of new tools to better manage security clearances, and related records


• Supports the Regulatory & Compliance team with assessments of possible breaches and also investigations


• Acts as back-up and supports other MDA sites in tasks related to security.


• Makes sure the requirements to store, handle, protect and/or dispose of protected or classified documents are followed in accordance with the Canadian Contracts Security Manual


• Other related duties as required.

Job Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in administration


• College degree in administration, secretarial, clerical or related fields is an asset


• Ability to work in a team oriented environment and with minimum supervision


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to deal with all levels of the organization and with external customers.


• Possess good judgement and the ability to handle complex security screening files.


• Must be deadline oriented and flexible and be able to work under pressure.   


• Bilingual French / English (an asset)


• Understanding of the Canadian Contracts Security Program and Controlled Goods Program (an asset)

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.