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

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space is hiring a Engineering Student – Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for the Satellite Systems Engineering Team in Richmond, BC. This is an 8‑month co‑op starting January 2027, with hybrid work arrangements and responsibilities across radar hardware and software development.

You will support current and next‑gen Earth observation satellites missions, building on RADARSAT heritage and collaborating with a world‑leading team to deliver cutting‑edge capabilities and solutions for customers.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
• Experience with MATLAB, Excel, Python or similar programming languages.
• Strong communication, self-starting attitude and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering analyses and trade-off studies to define system design.
• Develop analytical and algorithmic models in Excel, MATLAB, Python to verify design.
• Prototype hardware to verify designs and de-risk future investments.
• Develop prototype embedded software and firmware.
• Devise solutions to create and deliver system features.
• Participate in integration and testing of sub-system and system features.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Self-starter

Team player

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics

Post-graduate degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics

Tools

MATLAB

MS Excel

Python

C

C++

Job description

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

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: ENGIN012531

• Posted : September 16, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

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 ourSatellite SystemsEngineering 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‑generationearth observation satellites missions.We buildon the strong heritage of the RADARSAT program andbringforward innovativenew technologiesand operation concepts. You will work as part of a world-leading team to develop new capabilitiesand delivercutting edgesolutions to our customers.

Overallthe successful candidate would be treatedsimilar toa new graduate joining our company, where tasks will be assignedrelativeto the level of schooling and experience achieved to date.

Responsibilities

As anEngineering Co-op –Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)you may have a wide range of responsibilities thatmayinclude:

• 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:
  • Matlabor similar analysis tools
  • MS Excel, for the purpose of engineering analyses
  • C, C++,Pythonor 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 excellentproblem solvingskills
• Have a team‑friendly attitude and willingness to learn

While not mandatory, candidates willbenefitfrom 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, spacecraftdesignand operation considerations.

Experience:

Interested candidates should be workingtowards aBachelor’s degree or post‑graduate degree in Engineering,Physics,Mathematicsor other relevant disciplines. Students must be currently enrolled in their studies to be considered.

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and holdsecurity clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for theControlled 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.