Satellite Flight Software (FSW) Systems Engineer

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 .

Role :  

MDA is seeking a Satellite Flight Software System Engineer to support and/or lead the definition of a variety of embedded flight software applications from the architecture, the system design, the implementation and validation of the Satellite and Payload Flight Software and associated FDIR for current and next‑generation remote sensing & communications satellite programs. The role will own the FSW architecture, drive trade‑studies, and may provide technical authority throughout the spacecraft life‑cycle.

Tasks summary:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Gather & translate functional, performance, safety and security requirements from mission stakeholders.


• Map requirements to software modules, allocate to execution threads.


• Collaborate with cyber‑security to embed resilience and security by design.


• Perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the program life cycle.

Software Architecture, Design & Development

• Define FSW architecture (RTOS, Initialization, services, HK, fault‑management and payload interfaces).


• Define FDIR algorithms, isolation logic, recovery actions, safe‑mode sequencing, redundancy management.


• Perform or guide integration of FDIR logic into FSW.


• Produce and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for payload and platform subsystems and ground‑segment interfaces.


• Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation and DSS.

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to senior management and/or customers or partners.


• Liaise with Payload, Platform subsystems (including GNC), Ground‑Segment and Mission Operations teams to integrate and resolve integration issues early.


• Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop and support Flight Software Verification Plan and integration tests, SIL (with DSS) & HIL, fault‑injection, performance and security testing.


• Support or oversee verification & test automation framework deployment, test case definition, results analysis and test‑report certification.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and interns.


• Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors


• Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder and implement lessons-learned


• Contribute to MDA’s knowledge‑base, process enhancements, and standards.

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Ensure all software artefacts (source code, builds, test scripts, configuration files), documentation and deliverables 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 procedure developments for Satellite Modes.


• Support and analyse on‑orbit telemetry, update filter parameters, and generate SW updates as needed.


• Support SOOH development and associated operator training.

Required Qualifications:

• Sc. in Electrical engineering, Aerospace, Embedded Systems with 10+ years of previous fault-tolerant systems on LEO/MEO/GEO missions.


• Experience working with CCSDS, ECSS, PUS services.


• Experience working with MIL-1553, SpaceWire, RS422/485, CAN, Ethernet.


• Experience in real-time cores and/or embedded Linux, Auto-coding.


• Strong understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals.


• 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.