Satellite C&DH Systems Engineer

MDA is seeking a C&DH Systems Engineer to support and/or design, integrate, verify, and ensure the command, telemetry, control, and onboard management functions for our current and next-generation Earth observation and telecommunications satellites. The incumbent will be responsible for the C&DH functional architecture, will lead trade-off studies, and may assume the role of technical authority throughout the satellite's lifecycle.

Summary of duties:

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Translate mission requirements into C&DH functional specifications.
• Draft System Requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Design Descriptions.
• Manage requirements and ensure bidirectional traceability throughout the project.
• Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to integrate resilience and security from the design phase (ECU).

Design & Development

• Lead detailed design of embedded processors, data buses (SpaceWire, SpaceFibre, MIL-1553, CAN, Ethernet), memory subsystems, and interfaces.
• Support software architecture: command sequencing, telemetry packetization, health monitoring, PUS services, FDIR.
• Contribute to the development and validation of the satellite baseline database.

Cross-Functional Coordination, Stakeholders & Program Interaction

• Present technical status, risk analyses, and trade study results to program management or clients/partners.
• Work with embedded software (FSW) teams to define RTOS, APIs, task scheduling, and real-time operating system configuration.
• Define uplink TC format and downlink TM packet structure.
• Coordinate with TT&C/PDT teams and ground segment ICDs to ensure end-to-end data integrity.
• Support B&P activities (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop verification plans, test matrices, and validation procedures for subsystem and satellite testing.
• Execute functional tests, bus protocol compliance, and SIL and HIL campaigns.
• Manage anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.

Configuration Management, Documentation

• Draft and maintain C&DH standards (bus protocols, data format conventions, redundancy policies).
• Ensure all artifacts, analyses, and deliverables are within the PLM environment.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR, etc.).
• Support technology roadmap and innovation.

On-Orbit Support & Operations

• Support pre-launch checks and early LEOP operations.
• Support anomaly root cause investigations; update databases and capitalize on lessons learned.
• Analyze telemetry and generate performance reports.
• Support SOOH development and operator training.

Required qualifications:

• Degree: B.Sc. in electrical engineering, aerospace, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in LEO/MEO/GEO satellite C&DH engineering.
• Proficiency in space bus standards: SpaceWire, MIL-1553, CAN, Ethernet, CCSDS (telemetry & command) and PUS services.
• Knowledge of processors, FPGAs, firmware, and embedded software.
• Strong writing skills and solid understanding of space engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on profile: capable of supporting integration, testing, and troubleshooting processes.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to break down complex problems into basic elements to solve them through analysis, analogy, or creativity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (contact with clients outside Quebec and drafting deliverables in English).