Engineering Student, Systems Engineering – Space Missions - Winter 2027

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

Job summary

MDA Space Ltd in Richmond is seeking a Systems Engineering Co‑op – Space Missions for an eight‑month term starting January 2027. You will join the Satellite Systems Engineering Team and contribute to next‑generation Earth observation satellites.

As a student, translate high‑level requirements into detailed system specifications, support work planning and proposals, and build model and analysis tools using Excel, Matlab, Python and SysML.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience using MS Excel for engineering analyses is beneficial.
• Collaborative, self-motivated, and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Transform high-level requirements into lower-level system and sub-system requirements.
• Support work planning, cost estimates and proposal writing.
• Develop system budgets and models in Excel, MATLAB, Python, SysML.
• Create and maintain operations procedures and tools for on-orbit commissioning.
• Conduct validation testing and mission rehearsal activities.

Skills

MS Excel

MS Office

Verbal and written communication

Self-starter

Problem solving

Team-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics

Tools

STK (AGI Systems Tool Kit)

MATLAB

DOORS

Windchill

Job description

Engineering Student, Systems Engineering – Space Missions - Winter 2027

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: ENGIN012534

• 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’reon the hunt for a Systems Engineering Co-op –Space Missions in ourSatellite SystemsEngineering Team at our Richmond office. This is an 8-months role, starting January 2027.

As a member of the Engineeringteamyou will support our current andnext ‑ 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 a Systems Engineering Co-op –Space Missions , you may have a wide range of responsibilities thatmayinclude:

• 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 excellentproblem solvingskills
• Have a team-friendly attitude and willingness to learn

While not mandatory, candidates willbenefitfrom 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, spacecraftdesignand operation considerations.

Experience:

Interested candidates should be workingtowards aBachelor’sdegreeor post-graduate degreein 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 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 yourequireassistanceand/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free tonotify us.

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