Subcontract Program Manager

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Brampton; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space in Brampton, Canada, is seeking a Subcontract Program Manager to lead programs for domestic and international customers, including R&D, ISS/GWY servicing, commercial space and deep space exploration.

You will identify and manage risks, oversee subcontracts, align multi‑disciplinary teams with schedules and budgets, negotiate with customers, and maintain strong relationships across quality, contracts and engineering to deliver mission‑critical results.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years program management experience, including leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Experience in design and development of space flight, military or other safety/mission‑critical hardware and/or software.
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in engineering or technical field.
• Experience in initiation and oversight of subcontracts, including statements of work and control of subsystems.
• Strong knowledge of PMBOK, earned value, negotiations, risk and contract management, ITAR/CGP familiarity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; great interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel; bilingualism is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi‑disciplinary program teams to meet technical and schedule requirements.
• Maintain adherence to program budget and cost requirements.
• Negotiate with customers on key subcontracting requirements and objectives.
• Maintain hands-on control of Subcontracts through reviews, design reviews and audits.
• Maintain program visibility through regular technical, management and progress meetings.
• Develop relationships with customers and supply base to ensure quality systems and products.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Finance, Planning, Contracts, Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Demonstrate leadership across the organization and promote core values.

Skills

Program management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team player

Conflict management

Critical thinking

Travel willingness

Bilingualism

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field

Tools

MS Project

Earned value

PMBOK

Job description

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 3,400 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:

As aSubcontract Program Manager, you will manage programs for domestic and international customers that include opportunities related to R&D, servicing space station (ISS & GWY), commercial space companies and deep space exploration.

Identify and manage customer and program risks and opportunities generated from the supply base including prioritization, mitigation, escalation, and resolution.

Job Responsibilities:

Focus will be sub-system design and development and internal resource management to ensure successful execution of Program Subcontracts:

• Lead multi-disciplinary program teams to meet technical and schedule requirements
• Maintain adherence to the program budget / cost requirements.
• Negotiate, discuss and reach an agreement with the customer with respect to the key subcontracting requirements and objectives of the program
• Maintain hands‑on control of the program Subcontracts through a process of chair &/or participation in regular program reviews, design reviews and audits, staff meetings and other program meetings
• Maintain program visibility at the customer level through participation in and input to regular technical, management, and progress deliverables and meetings.
• Maintain effective relationships with customers and the supply base to instill and enhance the customer’s confidence in MDA’s quality systems and products, and supply base
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with Quality Assurance, Finance, Project Planning and Control, Contracts, Engineering and Manufacturing and New Business
• Demonstrate leadership across the organization; promoting common core values

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years Program Management experience is mandatory, including leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Working in medium - Large sized enterprises
• Minimum 5 years direct experience in design and development of space flight, military or other safety/mission‑critical hardware and/or software
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in engineering or technical field
• Experience in initiation and oversight of subcontracts, including preparation of Statements of Work, monitoring and control of subcontracts dealing with design & development, manufacture, assembly, integration and test, operations, and/or maintenance of subsystems
• Strong knowledge of program management best practices (ie. Program Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK) along with experience with MS Project, earned value methodology, negotiations, risk management, contract management, subcontract management, financials, CGP / ITAR regulations
• Areas of specific knowledge that are desired include: electro‑optic and opto‑mechanical systems for cameras and laser range finders, safety‑critical space, aerospace, military applications, systems engineering, embedded systems, software, simulations, mission operations
• Great interpersonal skills
• Team player demonstrating a high level of integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Conflict management skills in a multi‑disciplinary environment
• Results‑oriented and exhibits excellent critical thinking Strives to provide customers/clients with personalized and efficient service
• Ability to cope with significant workload peaks
• Ability to travel as required
• Bilingualism would be an asset; however, not a requirement.

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), and be able to obtain higher clearances.

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all of its locations. As a member of the MDA Space team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including: health care plans supplemental and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee assistance program and to their family.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

The compensation range for this position is $110,000 - $145,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.