Digital Payload System Engineer

MDA is seeking a Digital Payload System Engineer for design, integration, verification, and operational support for current and next‑generation earth observation and communications satellites. Our portfolio spans from broadband regenerative payloads to Direct to user solutions (D2D) supported by Phased Array antennas with Beam forming capability. The Digital Payload System Engineer will own the definition, design, integration, verification and sustainment of digital payload subsystems across multiple satellite programs and will influence system‑level tradeoffs, drive technology road‑maps. The incumbent will act as the primary technical interface with customers, prime contractors and internal multidisciplinary teams.

Architecture Concept & Requirements

Gather functional, performance, environmental and security requirements from mission stakeholders & CONOPs.

Map requirements to payload equipment performance with I/F with on-board processor

Coordinate with cybersecurity team for payload‑specific assessments

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

Payload Architecture & Design

Implement the high‑level digital payload architecture (optical ISLs, Phased array antennas, Feeder links & front‑end), master reference oscillator & clock synchronizations.

Produce Interface Control Documents (ICDs) with other subsystems and ground segment.

Implement high‑speed data‑bus I/F (SpaceWire, SpaceFibre, Ethernet, CAN).

Simulation & Analysis

Perform performance simulations (Gain, Spurious, Linearity, SNR, dynamic range, spectral efficiency, G/T, EIRP…etc.) and Monte‑Carlo analyses for tolerance budgeting.

Define and maintain Payload DC power budget with traffic & utilization models

Perform FMECA, Fault tree and FDIR, reliability modeling and availability to meet mission objectives

Hardware & Firmware

Provide system‑level specifications to hardware designers, review schematics, layouts, thermal interfaces, and mechanical constraints.

Support SW development for MODCODs and on‑board processing pipelines; ensure BIST, timing, latency and deterministic behavior.

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, Power/Structure/Thermal interfaces 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 & pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

Develop Payload Verification Master Plan covering unit‑test, subsystem‑test, payload‑level test, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test campaigns.

Lead test‑automation framework set‑up, test‑case definition, results analysis and test‑report certification.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

Mentor, guide junior engineers and interns.

Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors

Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder

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

Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management

Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables and documentation are version controlled in PLM environment.

Lead and Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR…etc.).

Support Technology Road‑Mapping & 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.

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.