Flight Dynamics Analyst at MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

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.

MDA Geospatial Services is adding a Flight Dynamics Analyst (FDA) to Satellite Operations supporting multiple space missions operated at the Canadian Space Agency, in St-Hubert, QC. The satellite operations team at MDA is responsible for all flight operations activities with a focus on station-keeping, monitoring and maintaining the health and safety of the satellites, as well as improving their reliability and efficiency of the ground system.

What to Expect: 

During their first year with the team, the candidate can expect to gain exposure to the relevant flight operation functional areas before transitioning to an on-call role. The main functional area for this role is flight dynamics including orbit determination and maneuvering. After training, the FDA will act as a first responder to any system anomalies and will be responsible for leading investigations and recoveries as well as leading conjunction analysis and avoidance activities. The FDA will be required to implement system modifications of both the spacecraft orbit and flight dynamics ground systems with cross-system interdependencies to enhance or maintain performance. The FDA should have a good understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including bus attitude control and propulsion systems. The FDA will also require an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ground systems including those used to task the spacecraft as well as processing and analysis tools used for monitoring of spacecraft telemetry. A good understanding of operational constraints and procedures is essential. The FDA may have to review, test, and develop operational procedures and write reports.

The candidate should have excellent organizational, leadership, and communications skills as well as a strong sense of real-time operations management. The candidate should have a good ability to work independently with initiative and little supervision as well as good reporting skills to management.

Teamwork skills and a positive attitude are essential for building productive working relationships in a satellite operations environment.

This position is located at the MDA Control Centre, Canadian Space Agency Headquarters, in St-Hubert, QC.

Responsibilities: 

• Monitor and report system performance, including performance of orbit control, against defined metrics through spacecraft telemetry analysis and other data sources
• Operate an orbit determination and control system and report on the performance and quality of the results
• Perform conjunction analysis and make recommendations for collision avoidance maneuvers when necessary
• Plan and implement orbit maneuvers as needed
• Troubleshoot system (satellite and/or ground) anomalies with on-call support on a rotational basis when non-nominal operations are detected
• Lead development projects for system software and operational enhancements
• Follow well-defined procedures and enforce application of well-defined processes
• Maintain flight operations systems, operations procedures, and other operational tools

Requirements:

• Degree or higher degree in numerate discipline, preferably in the areas of electrical, aerospace or mechanical engineering or physics. Post graduate degree in other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields will also be considered
• Experience in practical orbit determination
• Good understanding of orbit mechanics
• Good understanding of satellite bus subsystems (ADCS, power, thermal, etc.) and/or radar payload systems
• Strong leadership experience
• Flexible team player, with the agility to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Well-organized with ability to independently manage priorities
• Keen interest and passion for innovation
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Working language is in English (Department reporting to Ontario head office).
• Willingness to participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support anomaly decision and resolution process outside regular work hours
• Ability to perform software maintenance in support of life cycle system improvement
• The work is to be performed on site at the Canadian Space Agency in St-Hubert 5 days a week.
• The candidate must be able to qualify for a Canadian Secret level clearance

Assets:

• Experience in analysis tools such as STK/ODTK, Orekit, MATLAB
• Experience in programming languages such as Java and C/C++ as well as JavaScript, Python and/or Perl
• Experience with Databases

Comments/Special Considerations:

• Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the secret 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.