Intermediate Systems MTS, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

MDA Space; Richmond; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care

Extended healthcare and flexible drug plans

Dental and vision benefits

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Group retirement savings plans

Employee and family assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space is looking for an Intermediate Systems Member of Technical Staff (MTS) specializing in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to support Earth observation satellites. This role involves developing embedded software, performing technical analyses, and contributing to testing and verification plans.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 2+ years in complex digital systems development, and a solid understanding of Digital Signal Processing. A competitive salary of $78,000 to $100,000 annually and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in complex digital systems development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Digital Signal Processing concepts.
• Familiarity with modern software development methodology, tools and software specification.
• Strong technical-writing ability and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototype embedded software and firmware.
• Participate in hands-on prototype development with radar hardware.
• Perform operational analyses and trade-off studies.
• Support development of system-level specifications to hardware designers.
• Develop analytical models in Excel, Matlab, Python, etc.
• Contribute to Test and Verification Plans.
• Support test-automation framework set-up.
• Trace customer requirements to conceptual designs.

Skills

Digital Signal Processing

C

C++

Python

Matlab

Excel

JIRA

Confluence

Technical writing

RF and antenna theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Engineering Physics

Job description

Intermediate Systems MTS, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

MDA is seeking an Intermediate Systems Member of Technical Staff (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to support current and next‑generation Earth observation and remote sensing satellites. The role includes definition, design, integration, verification and sustainment of SAR missions, systems and payloads across multiple satellite programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototype embedded software and firmware.
• Participate in hands‑on prototype development with radar hardware to verify proposed designs and de‑risk future investment.
• Perform technical engineering tasks, such as operational analyses and trade‑off studies, to define system design and subsystem details.
• Support development of system‑level specifications to hardware designers, review schematics, layouts, thermal interfaces and mechanical constraints.
• Develop analytical and algorithmic models in Excel, Matlab, Python, etc. to verify proposed designs and de‑risk future investment.
• Contribute to Test and Verification Plans covering unit‑test, subsystem‑test, payload‑level test, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test campaigns.
• Support test‑automation framework set‑up, test‑case definition, results analysis and test‑report certification.
• Trace customer requirements to conceptual designs and prepare associated documentation.
• Contribute to decomposition of requirements and interface control documents (ICDs) down to segment, system and sub‑system levels.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Engineering Physics.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in complex digital systems development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Digital Signal Processing concepts.
• Familiarity with:
• Matlab or similar analysis tools.
• MS Excel for engineering analyses.
• C, C++, Python or other programming languages.
• Confluence and JIRA.
• Familiarity with modern software development methodology, tools and software specification.
• Strong technical‑writing ability (requirements, ICDs, test procedures, risk reports) and presentation skills.
• Hands‑on individual who can support systems integration processes, test systems and resolve problems.
• Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals to solve with analysis, similarity or creativity.
• Self‑starter with the ability to perform in a dynamic working environment.
• Team‑friendly attitude and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of RF and antenna theory.
• Experience developing systems involving antennas and RF.
• Familiarity with FPGAs and VHDL/Verilog development.
• Understanding of different types of engineering life cycles for large complex programs.
• Familiarity with satellite remote sensing or Earth observation.

Security & Clearances

Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level and pass the security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.

Benefits and Compensation

MDA provides competitive compensation ranging from $78 000 to $100 000 annually, based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health care, extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans, and an employee and family assistance program.