Staff Systems Engineer, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Missions
About the job
## 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 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 This is a role suited for an ambitious professional wanting 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. ## Responsibilities As a Staff Systems MTS, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Missions , you may have a wide range of responsibilities that include: - Provides end-end oversight of the SAR related engineering activities for the full lifecycle of a SAR space mission - Oversees the Mission Concept of Operations development and defines high-level mission specifications to meet user requirements, including spacecraft budgets to inform the SAR payload - Lead technical solutioning for enhancements to existing and future SAR Missions; includes beam mode design, SAR mission concept design, and SAR image quality modelling - Leads mission technical risk management, integration, verification and validation at the Mission Level - Responsible for design trade-off studies between various dimensions of the mission including: Spacecraft Systems, Coverage and Access, SAR Payload, SAR Processor and end-user applications - Responsible for SAR aspects of successful commissioning, calibration and early operations of space SAR Missions - Provide sound technical guidance to upper management and new business - Developing team members through mentoring and coaching Required Experience: - Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Math, Physics, or a combination of related education and experience - 15 or more years working with radar, SAR or similar active imaging systems, including work on hardware, processors and/or data products - 10 or more years working in a space systems engineering environment or similar complex systems engineering environment - Experience in SAR remote sensing, including system design, operation, applications/exploitation and/or calibration - Experience in different types of engineering life cycles as applicable for large complex programs - Self-starter with the ability to perform in a dynamic working environment; - Possess excellent problem solving skills - Superb interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to explain concepts to wide-ranging audiences (e.g. technical team, sales team, executives, customers, etc) - The ability to work within a large organization and understand dependencies and stakeholder needs. ## Desired Experience - Ability and knowledge to work with MATLAB, Python; - Appreciation for satellite based SAR Payload design and operations; - Appreciation of Space Mission design (e.g.
Coverage and Access, orbital dynamics, etc); - Appreciation of Spacecraft design (e.g.
Thermal, Power, Pointing accuracy, etc); - Ability to learn new technologies and domain knowledge quickly; and - A strong understanding of geospatial data. ## 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 are 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 are excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we will 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 opportunityemployer 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 an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us. The compensation range for this position is $135K - $170K annually.
The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. #LI-KP1 #Sp #LI-Hybrid #IND #IND1
From MDA Space's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About MDA Space
Communications satellites, the Canadarm space robots and radar Earth observation, from Canada.
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