Systems Engineer, Satellite Digital Simulation (DSS)

MDA; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Canada, seeks a Systems Engineer specialized in Satellite Digital Simulation (DSS) to define, develop, deploy, and maintain software test benches that faithfully reflect satellite behavior and mission scenarios.

You will interface with FSW Systems, satellite subsystems, and test bench teams to ensure traceability from requirements to verification and to enable DSS validation across SIL, HIL, and FlatSat environments.

Qualifications

• BS degree in electrical/aerospace/embedded systems.
• 15+ years of experience on fault-tolerant systems for LEO/MEO/GEO missions.
• Experience with CCSDS, ECSS and PUS standards.
• Experience with MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, RS-422/485, CAN and Ethernet.
• Experience with real-time kernels and embedded Linux.
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals in aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture, interfaces, and deployment for test benches and the DSS.
• Translate FSW integration needs into DSS capabilities with traceability.
• Define satellite models, emulators, interfaces, telemetry databases, fault injection.
• Coordinate DSS/test bench development, integration, qualification, and maintenance.
• Define qualification/acceptance criteria for model fidelity and timing.
• Manage risks and test bench evolution through the program.
• Interface between FSW Systems and DSS/test bench teams.
• Ensure test benches support SIL, DSS, HIL, and FlatSat environments.
• Support FSW verification, test automation, fault injection, anomaly analysis.
• Mentor engineers, liaise with clients/partners, drive process improvements.
• Contribute to knowledge base and standards.

Skills

Systems engineering

Fault-tolerant systems

English communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Aerospace/Embedded Systems

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Embedded Linux

Real-time kernels

Job description

Systems Engineer, Satellite Digital Simulation (DSS)

Role Overview

MDA is seeking a Systems Engineer specialized in Satellite Digital Simulation (DSS) to support and/or lead the definition, development, deployment, integration, and lifecycle management of software test benches. The incumbent acts as a technical interface between the FSW Systems team, FSW development and verification teams, satellite subsystem teams, and test bench developers. They ensure that the DSS and associated test infrastructure accurately represent satellite behavior, interfaces, operational modes, time constraints, failure responses, and mission scenarios necessary for the integration and verification of the satellite's flight software and payload.

Summary of Responsibilities

Test Bench Development and DSS Definition

• Define the architecture, requirements, interfaces, scope, fidelity level of simulations, as well as the deployment approach for test benches and the DSS.
• Translate FSW integration and verification needs into DSS capabilities and maintain traceability between FSW requirements, test bench capabilities, and verification results.
• Define and coordinate satellite models, equipment emulators, interfaces, telemetry and telecommand databases, fault injection mechanisms, and related simulation services.
• Coordinate the development, integration, qualification, deployment, configuration, and maintenance of the DSS and test benches.
• Define qualification and acceptance criteria covering model fidelity, interfaces, temporal performance, repeatability, and configuration.
• Manage technical risks, limitations, dependencies, and test bench evolution throughout the program lifecycle.

FSW Integration and Verification

• Act as the technical interface between the FSW Systems team and the teams responsible for DSS and test bench development.
• Ensure test benches provide the necessary capabilities for FSW integration and verification in SIL, DSS, HIL, and FlatSat environments.
• Support FSW verification, test automation, fault injection, FDIR testing, anomaly reproduction, and results analysis.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and support junior engineers and interns.
• Act as a technical liaison to external clients, partners, and suppliers.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement and the implementation of lessons learned.
• Contribute to MDA's knowledge base and the improvement of processes and standards.

Multidisciplinary Coordination, Configuration, Documentation, and Standards Management

• Ensure all software artifacts, notably source code, builds, test scripts, and configuration files, as well as documentation and deliverables, are managed under version control in the PLM environment.
• Participate in program design and maturity reviews, notably SRR, PDR, CDR, and MRR/TRR reviews.
• Support the development of technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives.
• Collaborate with FSW, Payload, Platform, GNC, IVV, Ground Segment, and Mission Operations teams, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the test infrastructure meets program needs.
• Support technical reviews, benchmarking studies, program planning, proposals and bids, and the continuous improvement of reusable test bench capabilities.

Operations and In-Orbit Support

• Develop and support procedures associated with various satellite modes.
• Support and analyze in-orbit telemetry, update filtering parameters, and generate software updates as needed.
• Support SOOH development and associated operator training.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, or a related field, with over 15 years of experience on fault-tolerant systems applied to LEO, MEO, or GEO missions.
• Experience with CCSDS, ECSS, and PUS standards and services.
• Experience with MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, RS-422/485, CAN, and Ethernet interfaces and protocols.
• Experience with real-time kernels and/or embedded Linux, as well as automatic code generation approaches.
• Excellent understanding of systems engineering fundamentals applied to the aerospace domain.
• Hands-on and autonomous profile, capable of supporting system integration activities, implementing necessary test capabilities, and efficiently resolving technical problems.
• Experience with Confluence and Jira.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to reduce complex problems to first principles and develop solutions through analysis, analogy, or creativity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (contact with clients outside Quebec and drafting deliverables in English).