Principal GNC Systems Engineer

MDA; Montreal; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA is seeking a GNC engineer to design, integrate, verify, and provide ongoing support for GNC subsystems on Earth observation and comm satellites. You will define requirements, develop algorithms, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, in-depth orbital dynamics expertise, and the ability to translate complex guidance, navigation, and control concepts into usable software and hardware solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires BSc in Electrical, Aerospace, or Physics Eng with 10+ years in GNC/AOCS on LEO/MEO/GEO platforms.
• Mastery of orbital dynamics, multi-axis control laws, and Kalman filters is essential.
• Strong English writing and ability to draft deliverables for clients.
• Hands-on integration, testing, and troubleshooting experience required.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA is desired.

Responsibilities

• Architect GNC subsystem requirements, interfaces, and ICDs.
• Develop attitude and orbit determination algorithms and control laws.
• Lead IVV activities, simulations, and verification plans.
• Collaborate across C&DH, FSW, and external partners.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to process improvements.
• Provide in-orbit support and technical liaison with SatOps teams.

Skills

Orbital dynamics

GNC/AOCS

Kalman filters

Matlab/Simulink

STK

Confluence/JIRA

Leadership

English comms

Education

BSc in Electrical/Aerospace/Physics Eng

MSc preferred

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

STK

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 Earth observation and telecommunication satellites. The incumbent will design the complete subsystem, from algorithm development to hardware implementation, validation, and in-orbit support. The position requires in-depth expertise in orbital dynamics, attitude determination & control, as well as the definition and integration of real-time embedded software; the engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams throughout the satellite life cycle.

Summary of duties:

Architecture, Concept & Requirements

• Establish functional and performance requirements (pointing accuracy, guidance, orbit-keeping Delta-V, fault tolerance) based on mission requirements.
• Produce system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICD), and design descriptions.
• Perform requirements management and ensure bidirectional traceability throughout the project.

Modelling & Benchmarking

• Conduct comparative studies on all sensors and actuator families.
• Perform high-fidelity dynamic simulations (Matlab/Simulink, STK) in order to meet pointing requirements, respect error budgets, ensure control law stability, 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 testing 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 benchmark 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 of 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

• Supervise and guide junior engineers and interns.
• Act as the technical liaison with external clients, partners, and suppliers.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to MDA’s knowledge base, process improvements, and standard developments.

Configuration Management, Documentation

• Maintain GNC standards (sensor/actuator interfaces, filter design, control law documentation).
• Ensure 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.

In-Orbit Support & Operations

• Provide technical support to SatOps teams for satellite performance monitoring.
• Support anomaly cause investigations; update databases and capitalize on return of experience (REX).
• Analyze telemetry and generate performance reports.

Required Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in Electrical, Aerospace, or Physics Engineering (M.Sc. preferred), with 10+ years of experience in GNC/AOCS on LEO, MEO, or GEO platforms.
• Mastery of orbital dynamics, multi-axis control laws, and Kalman filters.
• Strong writing skills and a 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 independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to break down complex problems into basic elements to solve them through analysis, analogy, or creativity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (contact with clients outside Quebec and drafting deliverables in English).