Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Platform I.T./Network Specialist

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 121,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

49North, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space, is seeking a Platform I.T./Network Specialist to support RPAS and related programs in a hybrid Canadian environment.

You will design, implement, and maintain specialized computer systems, configure Cisco devices, manage Linux, and automate with Terraform and Ansible to deliver secure, reliable platforms.

Qualifications

• 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 systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn constantly.
• Experience with multi-vendor, heterogeneous system environments.

Responsibilities

• Configure and manage Cisco switches and firewalls, including Cisco IOS CLI and Firepower.
• Implement STIG hardening and structured cabling; troubleshoot Ethernet networks.
• Manage Linux administration, including filesystems, permissions, and kernel config.
• Install, configure, and support Linux-based OS distributions (RHEL/Oracle/Rocky).
• Implement automation with Terraform, Ansible, and SaltStack; write shell scripts.
• Configure and support Windows desktop environments with PowerShell scripts.
• Install and configure AV, surveillance systems, DNS, NTP, and SIEM tools.
• Administer storage arrays and vSphere/vCenter clusters.

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Quick learner

Documentation skills

Security clearance readiness

Multi-vendor environments

Team collaboration

Education

Degree or diploma in computer systems or related

Tools

Cisco IOS CLI

Firepower Firewall

Linux (RHEL/Oracle/Rocky)

Terraform

Ansible

SaltStack

PowerShell

vSphere/vCenter

Job description

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Platform I.T./Network Specialist

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: RPASP011182

• Posted : August 13, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

About 49North:

A wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space, building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defense delivery, 49North operates as a sovereign Canadian provider of mission-critical C4ISR systems, bringing disciplined prime-contractor execution to defense and security programs.

The Role:

As a member of the team you will work on our programs such as the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), Aeronautical Navigation products and Royal Canadian Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (RCN ISTAR). 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 49North.

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 network
• 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
• 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)

49North draws on more than five decades of Canadian defence heritage, rooted in the execution of large, complex, and mission-critical programs developed within MDA Space. This legacy reflects a record of delivery where engineering rigour, operational reliability, and national trust are non-negotiable.

These capabilities have supported expeditionary operations, maritime surveillance and command systems, advanced airborne sensing platforms, and long-term sustainment of critical defence assets across the Canadian Armed Forces and allied partners.

49North provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of 49North, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; 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.

49 North 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 you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

The compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $125,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate