Payload Systems Architect

MDA Space; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Private healthcare

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a Payload Systems Architect to join the Systems Engineering Team in the UK. You will design, integrate and test future satellite communications systems for LEO/GEO/Lunar, defining payload requirements and ground segment interfaces.

Role focuses on system-level analysis, RF/antenna design, and ensuring compliance with customer needs, standards and security requirements. Hybrid work is offered as part of a dynamic space team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications system engineering.
• Proven capability in developing wireless communications systems from the physical layer processing to RF and antenna.
• Experience in performance analysis of wireless communications systems.
• Experience in simulation/modelling of wireless communication systems.
• Understanding of digital signal processing.
• Ability to develop and analyse end-to-end system requirements, perform trade studies (e.g., link budgets).
• Ability to write proposals to RFI/RFPs, including presentations of technical approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a system and satellite payload concept of operations and architecture with focus on RF and physical layer aspects.
• Generate system level requirements, specifications and interface definitions.
• Perform system design trade-offs.
• Analyse system level performance requirements to allocated sub-system/component requirements.
• Develop requirements for antenna and on-board processing functions.
• Enable technology maturation and risk reduction plans for critical system elements including ground infrastructure and satellite subsystems.
• Support business development and proposal activities for multiple customers and partners.
• Conduct specification trade-off negotiations with customers, partners, engineers and working groups.

Skills

Wireless communications

RF design

Digital signal processing

System engineering

Link budgets

Proposal writing

Stakeholder communication

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.
Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!
We’re on the hunt for a Payload Systems Architect within the Systems Engineering Team.
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.
Role
MDA-UK is looking for a Payload Systems Architect to work on the design, integration and test of future satellite communications systems for LEO, GEO, and Lunar environments. In this position, you will be responsible for system level analysis and definition of the payload and, where necessary, the corresponding ground segment. Using your experience and knowledge of state-of-the-art solutions you will recommend the implementation and validation of solutions that meet customer needs. You will ascertain the issues that need to be addressed the associated standards to support these use cases and engage with the standardisation bodies accordingly.
Responsibilities

• Develop a system and satellite payload concept of operations and architecture with particular focus on the radio frequency and physical layer aspects.
• Generate system level requirements, specifications and interface definitions.
• Perform system design trade-offs.
• Analyse system level performance requirements to allocated sub-system/component requirements.
• Develop requirements for antenna and on-board processing functions.
• Enable technology maturation and risk reduction plans for critical system elements including ground infrastructure and satellite subsystems.
• Support business development and proposal activities for multiple customers and partners.
• Conduct specification trade-off negotiations with customers, partners, engineers and working groups.
  

Requirements
Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

• 10+ years of experience in communications system engineering.
• Proven capability in developing wireless communications systems from the physical layer processing in the digital domain down to RF and the antenna(s).
• Experience in performance analysis of wireless communications systems.
• Experience in simulation/modelling of wireless communication systems.
• Understanding of digital signal processing.
• Ability to develop and analyse E2E system requirements, perform trade studies (e.g., link budgets and capacity analysis) breaking down the complete system into the constituent parts and solutions.
• Ability to write proposals to RFI/RFP’s, including developing presentations to describe the technical approach in a clear manner.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with customers, management, and peers.
  

Desirable

• Understanding of 5G New Radio and/or NTN.
• Experience in the space industry.
• Experience in communications satellite design.
• Experience of working with multiple customers/partners and building win-win themes and scenarios.
• Background in working with government departments/agencies and groups (e.g. ESA).
• Experience with phased array antennas and on-board processing technology.
  

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
We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• 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.