GNC Systems Engineer

MDA; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA is seeking a GNC engineer to design, integrate, verify, and support GNC subsystems for our satellites. You will develop algorithms, validate with simulations, and provide on-orbit support in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across the satellite lifecycle.

The role requires expertise in orbital mechanics, attitude determination and control, and real-time embedded software integration. Degree in engineering with 5+ years in GNC is expected.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Electrical, Aerospace or Physics Engineering (M.Sc. preferred) with 5+ years in GNC/AOCS on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms.
• Mastery of orbital mechanics, multiaxis control laws and Kalman filters.
• Strong writing skills and solid space engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Translate algorithms into real-time OS requirements and drive validation plans.
• Lead IVV activities including sensor calibration, actuator response and closed-loop attitude control.
• Collaborate with C&DH and FSW teams to implement TM/TC, schedulers and FDIR logic.
• Present status, risks and study results to management and stakeholders.

Skills

GNC/AOCS

Kalman filters

Real-time embedded software

MATLAB/Simulink

STK

Education

BSc in Electrical/Aerospace/Physics Engineering

MSc preferred

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

Job description

MDA is looking for a GNC engineer for the design, integration, verification, and operational support of GNC subsystems intended for our current and next-generation remote sensing and telecommunications satellites. The incumbent will design the complete subsystem, from algorithm development to hardware implementation, validation, and on-orbit support. The position requires in-depth expertise in orbital mechanics, attitude determination and control, as well as in the definition and integration of real-time embedded software; the engineer will work in close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams throughout the satellite life cycle.

Summary of duties

Architecture, Concept & Requirements

• Establish functional and performance requirements (pointing accuracy, guidance, orbit maintenance ΔV, fault tolerance) based on mission requirements.
• Produce system requirements, interface control document (ICD), and design description.
• Perform requirements management and ensure bidirectional traceability throughout the project.

Modelling & Comparative Study

• Conduct comparative studies on all sensors and actuator families.
• Perform high-fidelity dynamic simulations (Matlab/Simulink, STK) in order to satisfy pointing requirements, respect the error budget, ensure the stability of control laws, control fuel consumption, and guarantee survivability margins.

Algorithm Development

• Design and implement attitude determination and orbit determination algorithms.
• Develop control laws for 3-axis stabilization, guidance maneuvers, and station-keeping algorithms.
• Validate scenarios and algorithms through Monte-Carlo analysis and SIL/HIL tests on avionics test benches.

Cross-functional Coordination, Stakeholders & Program Interaction

• Translate algorithms into FSW requirements on real-time operating systems.
• Collaborate with C&DH and FSW teams to implement TM/TC, schedulers, and FDIR logic.
• Present technical status, risk analyses, and comparative study results to program management.
• Negotiate and maintain ICDs with subsystems.
• Support B&P activities (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Equipment Selection & Design

• Specify sensors and actuators, define interfaces (electrical, mechanical, thermal) and redundancy.
• Work with structural and thermal engineers for vibration resistance, in compliance with payload requirements.
• Review harness routing and power distribution for GNC equipment.

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Draft Verification Plans, test matrices, and test procedures.
• Lead functional tests: sensor calibration, actuator-command response, closed-loop attitude control on avionics test benches, and commissioning sequences.
• Perform FMECA and reliability analyses.

Technical Leadership & Mentoring

• Coach and guide junior engineers and interns.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for clients, partners, and external suppliers.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to MDA's knowledge base, process improvements, and standards development.

Configuration Management, Documentation

• Maintain GNC standards (sensor/actuator interfaces, filter design, control law documentation).
• Ensure that all artifacts, analyses, software, deliverables, and documents are version-controlled.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR, etc.).
• Support the technology roadmap and innovation.

On-Orbit Support & Operations

• Technical support to SatOps teams for monitoring satellite performance.
• Support anomaly cause investigations; update databases and capitalize on lessons learned (REX).
• Analyze telemetry and generate performance reports.
• Support SOOH development and operator training.

Required Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Electrical, Aerospace, or Physics Engineering (M.Sc. preferred), with 5+ years of experience in GNC/AOCS on LEO, MEO, or GEO platforms.
• Mastery of orbital mechanics, multiaxis control laws, Kalman filters.
• Strong writing skills and solid understanding of space engineering fundamentals.
• Hands-on profile: capable of supporting integration, testing, and troubleshooting processes.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to break down complex problems into basic elements to solve them through analysis, analogy, or creativity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (contact with clients outside Quebec and drafting deliverables in English).