Senior Digital-Analog PCB Designer

MDA; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a Senior Digital-Analog PCB Engineer/Designer to lead the hardware design for space-grade PCB assemblies. You will architect, simulate, and validate mixed-signal boards used in satellites and related space systems, coordinating with FPGA, software, and test teams.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive PCB experience, and the ability to mentor juniors while ensuring design for manufacture in the extreme space environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in processor/digital/analog/mixed signal PCB design.
• Ability to coach and supervise juniors.
• Experience with multi-disciplinary specifications (FPGA, software, mechanical).
• Strong knowledge of schematics, layouts and part datasheets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital/Analog PCB design for space environments.
• Coach and supervise junior designers and interns.
• Translate requirements into architecture, I/Os, power, FPGA, software.
• Coordinate with FPGA, software and test teams for integration.
• Oversee schematic capture, layouts, and manufacturing drawings.
• Review BOMs and perform design analyses for space reliability.

Skills

PCB design

Digital/Analog design

FPGA integration

Mentor/leadership

Schematic capture

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or equivalent

Tools

Mentor Xpedition

PADS

OrCAD

SPICE

ADS

HyperLynx

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space 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 global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts 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. For more information, visit www.mda.space .

Role

The Senior Digital-Analog PCB Engineer/Designer will be leading a team of hardware designers working on the design, implementation, and validation of mixed signal (Digital & RF) electronics Printed Circuit Board (PCB) used in satellites and other space-based systems. This may include applications such as digital control/processing, on-board processors, mass-memory units, motor drive units, etc. for space applications using new space technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital/Analog design of a PCB for space environment.
• Coach and supervise junior and interns in the design of PCB.
• Convert board level requirements into a board design concept (architecture, I/Os, key parts, power dissipation estimate, FPGA, Software, etc.)
• Coordinate with FPGA, software and test designers to finalize the functional concept and facilitate integration.
• Complete or review the schematic capture level design.
• Identify technology and design risks.
• Guide and lead the team to achieve Design for Manufacture/Test in the space environment.
• Manage and review design layout constraints definitions, parts placement and layout, manufacturing and assembly drawings.
• Prepare or review long lead items lists, bill of materials, and ensure parts qualifications for space.
• Perform and review circuit simulation (SPICE, Hyperlynx, ADS, etc.) and various design analyses (ex: worst case, FMECA).
• Coordinate with various specialties (structure, thermal, packaging, manufacturing, quality assurance, etc.) the necessary reviews for the PCB component placement and layout.
• Oversee board assembly and manufacturing tests.
• Prepare and review the various documents such as review presentations, test plans, test procedures, etc.
• Perform and guide junior members in testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of complex mixed signals boards.
• Support environmental and functional tests and validation for space missions.
• Report progress and issues to the program lead or manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or equivalent.
• Ten (10) years minimum experience designing processor, digital, analog, high-speed or mixed signal PCBs.
• Achieved expertise in one of these field of competence
• Ability to coach and supervise junior members and interns.
• Experience with design architecture and handling of multi-disciplinary specifications and reviews (FPGA, software, mechanical, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience with Excel spreadsheets, Python, MathCAD, Spice, Matlab, JIRA, or other such tools/software languages.
• Strong understanding of electronic circuits and communication protocols with extensive PCB design experience
• Knowledgeable about PCB manufacturing processes
• Exposure to mechanical packaging is an asset
• Experience in conducting analyses (FMECA, WCA, signal integrity, power integrity, etc.) using various tools such as PSICE, ADS SiPro, Hyperlynx, etc.
• Knowledgeable about part types, at ease with datasheets
• Knowledge of space radiation effects on parts is an asset
• Lab experience with electronic circuits and laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscope, network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, arbitrary waveform generator
• Proficient experience in schematic entry (ex: Mentor Xpedition, PADS, OrCAD)
• Exposure to RF design, mixed signal, signal processing, high-speed or motor control design.
• Knowledge of ruggedized designs
• Fluent in English and French is an asset (Contact with customers outside Quebec).
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• The ideal candidate would be pro-active, enthusiastic, and result-oriented team player

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and 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.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, 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.

MDA is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.