Lab Manager

MDA Space; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Private healthcare

Pension plan

Life insurance

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee the labs and cleanroom across three UK locations. You will implement policies, ensure ESD and quality controls, and manage assets and calibration for satellite-related test environments.

The role demands hands-on leadership, travel between sites, and strong communication to support our space systems and sensor development teams in a high-reliability environment.

Qualifications

• Required lab management background or electrical engineering experience in satellite applications.
• Strong hands-on skills and ability to travel between UK locations.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, COSHH and ESD controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of labs and cleanroom across 3 UK locations.
• Develop, implement and police laboratory policies and procedures.
• Ensure quality control measures and ESD compliance.
• Manage lab assets, calibration, inventories and procurement.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and supplier liaison.
• Monitor environmental conditions and COSHH management.
• Train lab users and enforce safety and procedures.

Skills

Lab management

Electrical engineering

Hands-on

Travel flexibility

Communication skills

ECSS knowledge

COSHH awareness

ESD knowledge

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

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 3,000 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.

We’re on the hunt for someone to be responsible for the overall all control of the labs and cleanroom across the 3 MDA UK locations.

MDA’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Responsibilities

MDA-UK is looking for an experienced Lab Manager to work on the next generation of communication satellite systems and sensors. In this position, you will be responsible for the overall all control of the labs and cleanroom across the 3 MDA UK locations.

• Day to day running of MDA’s laboratory and cleanroom across the 3 locations:
  • Developing, implementing & policing laboratory policies and procedures
  • Ensuring quality control measures
  • Ensuring all ESD measures are implemented, maintained and adhered to
  • Management and control of all lab assets including allocating, tracking and maintenance
  • Managing lab request and allocating space
  • Equipment calibration and coordination with equipment manufacturers
  • Maintaining laboratory inventories
  • Procurement of equipment and consumables
  • Cleanroom maintenance
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Consumable management
  • COSHH management
  • Training lab users and ensuring compliance with lab and equipment procedures and processes

Requirements

• 5+ years in the space industry (or other high reliability industry) in a similar position.
• A lab management, electrical engineering background, or experience testing electrical units for satellite applications.
• Strong hand-on skills.
• Resourcefulness and a passion for working hard and learning fast and lead from the front.
• The ability to travel between the 3 locations to maintain the labs and cleanroom
• An understanding of the space operating environment and the resulting requirements on our lab practices
• Clean room experience
• Knowledge of ESD and control measures
• Awareness of engineering standards (preferably ECSS)
• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, including COSHH management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 leadership in this next golden age.

Comments/Special Considerations

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits Statement

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; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MDA 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.

Accommodations

MDA Ltd. 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.