Engineering Student, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) - Winter 2027

MDA Space; Richmond; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space in Richmond, BC is seeking an Engineering Co‑op – Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to support our Satellite Systems Engineering team. The 8‑month program starts January 2027, and candidates will work on earth observation satellite missions, creating new capabilities and validating designs under guidance from experienced engineers.

As a co‑op, you’ll perform practical engineering tasks, develop models and prototypes, and gain exposure to radar hardware, embedded software, and subsystem

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or higher degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics and currently enrolled.
• Strong programming/scripting experience with Matlab, Python, C/C++, and Excel used for analyses.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; self-starter in dynamic environments; strong problem solving and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering analyses and trade studies to define system/subsystem details.
• Develop analytical/modeling scripts in Excel/Matlab/Python to verify designs and de‑risk investments.
• Contribute to prototype radar hardware development and embedded software/firmware.
• Support integration and testing of subsystems and system features; assist senior engineers.

Skills

Matlab

MS Excel

C

C++

Python

Scripting

Communication

Self-starter

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

STK

DOORS

Windchill

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) 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 MDA Space team of more than 4 000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK 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.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

Details

We’re on the hunt for a Engineering Student – Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in our Satellite Systems Engineering Team at our Richmond, BC office. This is an 8-months role, starting January 2027.

As a member of the Engineering team you will support our current and next‑generation earth observation satellites missions. We build on the strong heritage of the RADARSAT program and bring forward innovative new technologies and operation concepts. You will work as part of a world-leading team to develop new capabilities and deliver cutting edge solutions to our customers.

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.

Responsibilities

As an Engineering Co-op – Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) you may have a wide range of responsibilities that may include:

• Performing technical engineering tasks, such as operational analyses and trade‑off studies, to define system design and subsystem details
• Contribute to the development of analytical and algorithmic models in Excel, Matlab, Python, etc. to verify proposed design and de‑risk future investment
• Participate in hands‑on prototype development involving radar hardware to verify proposed designs and de‑risk future investment
• Participate in the development of prototype embedded software and firmware
• Devising solutions for creating and delivering systems and subsystem features
• Participating in integration and testing of sub‑system and system level features

You will support intermediate and senior engineers in the above tasks and have opportunities for professional growth.

Requirements

• Have familiarity with:
  • Matlab or similar analysis tools
  • MS Excel, for the purpose of engineering analyses
  • C, C++, Python or other programming languages
• Experience in scripting and/or programming
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be a self‑starter with the ability to perform in a dynamic working environment
• Possess excellent problem solving skills
• Have a team‑friendly attitude and willingness to learn

While not mandatory, candidates will benefit from any of the following:

• Familiarity with mission modelling tools such as AGI’s Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• Familiarity with Requirements Management tools such as DOORS, Windchill, etc.
• Familiarity with satellite remote sensing or earth observation; or
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, satellite communications, spacecraft design and operation considerations.

Experience

Interested candidates should be working towards a Bachelor’s degree or post‑graduate degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or other relevant disciplines. Students must be currently enrolled in their studies to be considered.

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).

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.

The compensation range for this position is $25 - $28 hourly.