Systems Engineer, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Payload

Description

ABOUT MDA SPACE

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 more information, visit www.mda.space.

This role suits an ambitious professional who wants to solve complex problems and develop novel concepts that contribute to the betterment of our world. You will contribute to our world-leading Synthetic Aperture Radar missions that generate high-value imagery and real-time actionable intelligence for our customers.

The Role:

MDA is seeking a SAR Payload System Engineer to support current and next-generation earth observation and remote sensing satellites. The SAR System Engineer will own the definition, design, integration, verification and sustainment of SAR payload subsystems across multiple satellite programs, influence system-level tradeoffs, and drive technology road maps. The incumbent will act as the primary technical interface with customers, prime contractors and internal multidisciplinary teams across the full program life cycle.

Responsibilities

Architecture Concept & Requirements

• Gather functional, performance, pointing, environmental and security requirements from mission stakeholders and CONOPS.
• Capture, trace and map payload requirements from mission level to subsystem level.
• Coordinate with cybersecurity team for payload-specific assessments.
• Perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the program life cycle.

Payload Architecture & Design

• Design the SAR system architecture (antenna arrays and RF front-end Tx/Rx components, digital beamforming, processing chain and digital electronics, power, thermal, and mass).
• Lead conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases; produce trade studies and performance budgets.
• Produce Interface Control Documents (ICDs) with other subsystems and the ground segment.
• Provide system-level specifications to hardware designers; review schematics, layouts, thermal interfaces, and mechanical constraints.

Simulation & Analysis

• Perform performance simulations for tolerance budgeting and image quality.
• Support algorithm and analytical development to process SAR and Moving Target Indicator (MTI).
• Define and maintain payload DC power budget with utilization models.
• Perform FMECA, fault tree and FDIR, reliability modeling and availability analyses to meet mission objectives.

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade-study results to senior management and/or customers or partners.
• Support payload design authority in system design reviews and Power/Structure/Thermal interface and Mission Operations assessments.
• Liaise with Electrical, Power, Structures, Thermal, Software, Ground-Segment and Mission-Operations teams to resolve integration issues early.
• Support B&P (Phase 0 and pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop a Payload Verification Master Plan covering unit test, subsystem test, payload-level test, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test campaigns.
• Lead test-automation framework setup, test-case definition, results analysis and test-report certification.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

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

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

• Ensure all artefacts, analysis, firmware, deliverables and documentation are version controlled in a PLM environment.
• Lead and support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR, etc.).
• Support technology road-mapping and innovation.

On Orbit & Operations Support

• Provide technical support to Mission Operations for routine payload health monitoring, contingency handling and performance trending.
• Lead root-cause investigations for on-orbit anomalies; update design baselines and lessons learned.
• Analyze on-orbit telemetry, update filter parameters, and generate performance reports.
• Support SOOH development and associated operator training.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Sc.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Physics with 5+ years of experience supporting remote sensing system development, integration and test on LEO/MEO missions.
• Strong technical-writing ability (requirements, ICDs, test procedures, risk reports) and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with customers, suppliers and senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on individual who can support systems integration processes and the capability to test systems and resolve problems.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Demonstrated capability to work efficiently with little supervision.
• Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals and solve them with analysis, analogy, or creativity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an asset.

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).

Benefits & Compensation

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages. As a team member you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan 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.

The compensation range for this position is $95K - $130K annually; the specific compensation offered will be based on qualifications and experience.

MDA is proud to provide accommodations during the recruitment process; indicate any required accommodations on your application or cover letter.