Engineering Student, Software - Kanata - January 2026

MDA; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Ottawa is seeking a Software Engineering / Computer Science Student for an 8-16 month Co-Op opportunity starting in January 2026. You will develop and test software for the Gateway External Robotics System (GERS) program, contributing to the Canadarm3 project for the Lunar Gateway. Candidates should be proficient in C++, have a background in computer science, and be strong team players with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Be able to work independently.
• Good understanding of Object Oriented Design.

Responsibilities

• Implement specific software tasks as provided by senior developers.
• Perform general software functional and integration testing.
• Assist in writing software documentation.

Skills

Proficient in C++ under Linux and Windows

Strong team player

Strong oral and written communication

Education

Enrolled in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent program

Tools

Visual Studio

MS Office suite

Python

Git

Bitbucket

Jira

QT

Jenkins

Job description

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.

We’re on the hunt for a Software Engineering / Computer Science Student on our Robotics & Space Operations team at our Kanata office.

Overall the successful candidate would be treated similar to a new graduate joining our company, where tasks will be assigned relative to the level of schooling and experience achieved to date. This is an 8-16 month Co-Op opportunity starting in January 2026.

As our Software Student, you will be a member of the software team and be developing and testing software on the Gateway External Robotics System (GERS) program. The GERS program provides sensors and support systems as part of the Canadarm3 contribution to the Lunar Gateway.

Responsibilities:

• Implement specific software tasks as provided by senior developers (range of new development, optimizing existing code, bug fixes, etc.)
• Perform general software functional and integration testing.
• Assist in writing software documentation. This could include software design, test procedures, user manuals, etc.

Qualifications:

• Be enrolled in a Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent program.
• Proficient in C++ under Linux and Windows, MS Office suite, Visual Studio
• Good understanding of Object Oriented Design
• Strong team player
• Be able to work independently.
• Strong oral and written communication.

Desirable Skills:

• Prior internships related to Computer Science.
• Experience or knowledge of 3D sensors and 3D data.
• Experience with programming and debugging embedded systems.
• Familiar with any of Python, Git, Bitbucket, Jira, QT, Jenkins.
• Familiar with communication / network protocols such as serial (RS-422, USB) and TCP/IP
• Familiar with third party libraries such as OpenCV.

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) and ITAR.

MDA Ltd. 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.

Salary:

The compensation range for this position is 24-27$ hourly.