Platform Engineer - Software Development - BC

MDA; Richmond; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company located in Richmond, Canada, is seeking a Platform Specialist to join their Geointelligence team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in networking, Linux administration, and automation tools, alongside a degree in a related field. Responsibilities include managing specialized computer systems and ensuring security compliance. A minimum of 4 years’ experience is required, as well as the ability to work in secure environments. We offer a collaborative and innovative work environment focused on improving life both on and above Earth.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to work in air-gapped environments with high security.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Configure and manage Cisco switches and firewalls.
• Install and configure Linux-based OS distributions.
• Manage vSphere and vCenter clusters.

Skills

Cisco switches and firewalls

Linux administration

Networking troubleshooting

Automation tools (Terraform, Ansible)

Windows desktop support

Documentation skills

Education

Degree or diploma in computer systems or related field

Tools

RedHat Enterprise Linux

NetApp

vSphere

Job description

Job Details

Description

About MDA :

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 3,800 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.

The Role :

We’re on the hunt for a Platform Specialist in our Geointelligence team.

Our mission is to turn data into insight. From detecting changes in fragile ecosystems to monitoring northern ice floes and shipping routes, our near‑real time data of Earth observation and the environment makes our Geointelligence team a leader in geospatial imagery, ground stations, enterprise geospatial systems and defence programs.

As a member of the Engineering team you will work on our programs such as the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), MDA Chorus Mission, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite, Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope, Aeronautical Navigation products, and Marine Insights products. You will work as part of a technical team to develop new capabilities, enhance existing capabilities and deliver solutions to our customers.

As a Platform Specialist, you will contribute to the design, implementation, and maintenance of specialized computer systems for various MDA customers.

Job Responsibilities :

Networking :

• Configure and manage Cisco switches and firewalls, including Cisco IOS CLI, Catalyst Switches, and Firepower Firewalls
• Implement STIG hardening and structured cabling, including optical interfaces and twisted pair wiring
• Troubleshoot Ethernet networks, including OSI model and IP TCP / UDP networks

Linux Administration :

• Manage all aspects of Linux administration, including file systems, permissions, kernel configuration, networking, and user and group management
• Install, configure, and support Linux-based OS distributions, including RedHat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, and Rocky Linux
• Implement automation using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and Saltstack, and write shell scripts using bash

Audio / Visual and Surveillance Systems :

• Install and configure wall displays, AV switching and distribution, and surveillance cameras and recording systems

Other Responsibilities :

Core Services and Tools :

• Implement and troubleshoot DNS, NTP, and SIEM tools
• Configure logging, event forwarding, audit logging, and alerting

Storage :

• Install and configure enterprise network storage arrays, including NetApp
• Administer block and file storage volumes, including iSCSI and SMB / NFS

Virtualization :

• Manage vSphere and vCenter clusters

Windows Desktop Support :

• Configure and apply group policies, and write PowerShell scripts
• Harden Windows desktops to STIG standards

Job Requirements :

• Degree or diploma in computer systems, computer science, information systems, or a related field
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience
• Ability to work in air‑gapped environments and with highly secure and isolated systems
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to learn constantly
• Experience with multi‑vendor, heterogeneous system environments
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform hands‑on work installing, configuring, and supporting hardware
• Strong documentation and diagramming skills

Security Requirements :

• Must obtain and hold security clearance at the SECRET level
• Must pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP)

We’re a dream team of purpose‑driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem‑solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.