Engineering Student, Systems Engineering – Space Missions - Winter 2027

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

Job summary

MDA Space in Richmond is seeking a Systems Engineering Co-op for Space Missions. You will join the Satellite Systems Engineering Team to support Earth observation satellite missions, including tasks from requirements derivation to on-orbit operations.

The role is an 8-month term starting January 2027, with duties tailored to your level of schooling. Ideal candidates are pursuing a Bachelor’s or higher in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics and can demonstrate strong communication and analytical

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• Translate high-level requirements into system and subsystem specifications.
• Support work planning, cost estimates and proposals.
• Develop system budgets and maintain models in Excel, Matlab, Python or SysML.
• Contribute to operations procedures, scripts and tools for on-orbit activities.
• Assist with validation testing and mission control rehearsals.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Self-starter

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office

MATLAB

STK

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 Systems Engineering Co-op – Space Missions in our Satellite Systems Engineering Team at our Richmond 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

• Working with stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements;
• Transforming high level requirements into lower level system and sub-system requirements;
• Supporting work planning, cost estimates and proposal writing;
• Performing technical engineering tasks, such as operational analyses and trade-off studies, to define system design and subsystem details;
• Developing and maintaining various system budgets (uplink, downlink, power, etc); and
• Developing and maintaining various system models in Excel, Matlab, Python, SysML etc.
• Developing operations procedures, scripts, tools and other products for on-orbit commissioning and routine operations of the mission;
• Conducting spacecraft and mission operations validation testing, as well as mission control exercise and rehearsal activities;

Requirements

• Have familiarity with the following software tools:
• MS Excel, for the purposes of engineering analyses
• MS Office
• 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:

• Experience in scripting and/or programming
• Familiarity with mission modelling tools such as AGI’s Systems Tool Kit (STK), MATLAB, etc
• 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) and ITAR.

MDA Space Ltd 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 salary range for this position is 25 - 28 $ / hourly.