Satellite TT&C/PDT Systems Engineer
About the job
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 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 www.mda.space . ## Role overview MDA is seeking a System Engineer to perform design, integration, verification, and operational support of TT&C/PDTsubsystems for current and next‑generation remote sensing and communications satellites.
The role will interface with spacecraft payload teams, ground‑segment developers, and mission‑operations teams to ensure reliable command delivery, high‑fidelity telemetry acquisition, and robust data handling throughout the satellite life‑cycle. ## Tasks summary Architecture Concept & Requirements - Define TT&C/PDT functional architecture (command generation, uplink, telemetry downlink, on‑board data handling, RF front‑end). - Conduct trade‑studies for modulation schemes, coding, frequency plans, ranging and link budgets. - Produce System Requirements, Interface Control (ICDs), and Description documents. - Perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the project lifecycle. - Collaborate with cyber‑security to embed resilience and security by design.
Design & Development - Lead detailed design of hardware (TT&C transceiver, RF front‑ends, antenna‑pointing) and software (command sequencer, telemetry parser, health‑monitoring). - Perform link‑budget analysis, RF simulation (e.g., STK, Matlab), and error‑budget budgeting. - Verify compliance with CCSDS, ECSS, ITU, and regulatory standards. - Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction - Present technical status, risk analyses, and trade‑study results to senior management. - Negotiate and maintain ICDs and interface agreements with internal & external suppliers. - Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-Phase A).
Integration & Verification (IVV) - Develop test plans, procedures, and verification matrices for unit, subsystem, and spacecraft‑level TT&C tests. - Execute RF link testing, BER, command latency, and telemetry integrity verification. - Manage anomaly investigation, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions.
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.
Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management - Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables and documentations 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 launch‑pre‑launch and early‑orbit checkout – validate command uplink, telemetry acquisition, and on‑board software hand‑over. - Provide real‑time C&T support during nominal and contingency operations. - Maintain ground‑segment configuration (gateways, mission control servers, monitoring dashboards). - Support SOOH development and associated operator trainings. ## Required Qualifications - Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or related field with 2-5 years of TT&C/PDT System design experience on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms. - knowledge of CCSDS TM/TC packet standards, ECSS telemetry & command protocols, PUS services and ITU frequency regulations. - Proficiency in RF link‑budget analysis, S‑band/X‑band/Ka‑band modem architecture. - understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals, space environment and orbit mechanics. - 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.
From MDA Space's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New RF, communications and payload jobs in space, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About MDA Space
Communications satellites, the Canadarm space robots and radar Earth observation, from Canada.
Pay on its listings: 0% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee of MDA Space, under the employment terms each posting states.
More open jobs at MDA Space
More RF, communications and payload jobs in space
- Staff Digital Signal Processing Engineer$145,000–$185,000/yr
- Intermediate Applied Mathematician--Communications, Navigation, and Timing Engineering$103,600–$129,500/yr
- Embedded Software Developer, Network/Payload Intern (Winter 2027)$29.00/hr
- RF Design Engineer III$100,000–$130,000/yr
- RF Test Engineer
- Principal Electro-Optics Engineer – Optical Inter-Satellite Link$173,466–$242,851/yr
An RF or communications engineer?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
MDA Space openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from MDA Space's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.