Co-op Winter 2027 - Systems Engineering - 4-8-Months

Gdmsi; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligibility for future co-ops or full‑

Flexible work hours

Hybrid work model

Networking across teams

Onsite amenities and events

Corporate discounts

Job summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada is offering student placements in Ottawa and Halifax to support Air & Naval Sonar Systems. You will work with senior engineers on mission-critical defense systems, contributing to requirements, architecture, integration, and testing while learning processes and tools.

Ideal candidates are engineering students with strong communication and writing skills, capable of independent and collaborative work.

Qualifications

• Student must be enrolled in a recognized university program in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and with teams.
• Exposure to integration with third-party equipment or system interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Perform system requirements analysis and definition for new or evolving products.
• Support system architecture design and define interfaces.
• Assist planning and executing system integration, lab setup, tests, and troubleshooting.
• Support qualification and acceptance testing activities.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation (requirements, design specs, interfaces, test plans).
• Collaborate with internal teams to provide technical support and ideas.
• Conduct root cause and trend analyses on system-level issues.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent & collaborative

Technical writing

Root cause analysis

AI/ML familiarity

Education

Engineering student (Sys/Electrical/CS)

Tools

Requirements management tools

Job description

In this role, students support systems development activities for mission-critical systems within the Air & Naval (A&N) Sonar Systems group in Ottawa and Halifax under the guidance of senior engineers. These positions offer the opportunity to contribute to critical programs that support defense and security operations in Canada and internationally.

The A&N division delivers sophisticated, mission-critical systems for air and maritime applications. Our team specializes in areas such as integrated sonar systems, acoustic signal processing, training and simulation environments, and data management platforms. We work closely with defense partners to deliver reliable, effective, and operationally relevant solutions.

In this role you can expect to:

• Performing system requirements analysis and definition for new or evolving products
• Support system architecture design, conducting trade studies, and defining system interfaces
• Play a key role in planning and executing system integration, including lab setup, test planning, and troubleshooting
• Supporting qualification and acceptance testing activities
• Preparing and maintaining technical documentation (requirements, design specifications, interface documents, test plans, procedures, and reports)
• Working closely with internal teams to provide technical support and contribute fresh ideas
• Tackle complex system-level issues, performing root cause and trend analysis

What You Need to Have to Succeed

• Student must be enrolled a in a Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other applicable scientific discipline at a recognized university program
• Effective communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Exposure to integration with third-party equipment or system interfaces
• Interest to learn software and hardware engineering processes and tools, as well as requirements management tools
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct analysis and draw conclusions
• Experience with technical writing and documentation
• Enthusiastic contributor with a willingness to learn new skill

What Makes You Stand Out

• Familiarity with software testing concepts, verification, and validation
• Familiarity with system development processes and lifecycles, including requirements definition and management
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Compensation

The expected hourly rate for this position is $24.92 - $33.23. Final compensation will be determined based on your relevant work experience to date. As part of student placement, you will be eligible for quarterly pay increases.

Why Students Love Working Here

Purposeful Innovation & Problem Solving: You'll work alongside experienced professionals and some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, gaining hands-on experience with next-generation technologies. This is a place where your ideas are encouraged, creativity is valued, and you'll be supported as you learn and help drive modern, practical solutions.

Connection & Mentorship: Through onboarding to your career journey with us, you will work with teammates that are excited to share their experience and develop your skills. Have meaningful interactions, ask questions, and build relationships that can lead to lasting industry connections.

Perks & Highlights

• Eligibility for future co-ops or full-time roles
• Flexible work hours and compressed workweek options
• Hybrid work model (where applicable)
• Networking opportunities across teams and disciplines
• Onsite amenities and social events (gym, bike storage, trivia, appreciation events, etc.)
• Corporate discounts

Accommodation

If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [e-mail] .