Physical Layer / Firmware, Staff Engineer

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A leading aerospace and communication company in Farnborough is seeking a Staff Engineer for Physical Layer / Firmware. This role involves embedded software development for satellite communication systems, requiring a minimum of 10 years in low-level programming with C/C++. Ideal candidates will have experience in lab environments, effective teamwork, and mentoring skills. Comprehensive benefits and a commitment to diversity are offered. The position is full-time and on-site.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in embedded SW programming.
• Experience in lab work and on-target debugging with test equipment.
• Basic knowledge of Matlab and Python is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Embedded SW/Firmware development for satellite communication systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and support onboarding team members.
• Lead feature development and ensure timely completion.
• Participation in VLSI bring‑up activities, collaborate with HW teams and participate in pre‑silicon test activities.
• Support customers during their bring‑up activities.
• Mentor Junior engineers and support onboarding and training team members.
• Lead feature development and assume responsibility for completion on time.

Skills

Low-level real-time programming in C/C++

Embedded software testing/debugging

Team collaboration skills

Python

Education

Bachelor/Master in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Spectrum Analyzer

Signal Generator

Oscilloscope

Matlab

Job description

Physical Layer / Firmware, Staff Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: STAFF011494

• Posted : March 24, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Farnborough
279 Farnborough Road
Farnborough, HA GU147LS, GBR

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 3,800 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, visitwww.mda.space .

Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business, is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. With locations in Israel, the UK, Bulgaria, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

Physical Layer Firmware, Staff Engineer

• Embedded SW/Firmware development for satellite communication systems
• Development of scheduling/low level driver code in C for in-house digital beamformer VLSI
• Embedded SW testing/debugging in a lab environment
• Participation in VLSI bring‑up activities, collaborate with HW teams and participate in pre‑silicon test activities
• Support customers during their bring‑up activities
• Mentor Junior engineers and support onboarding and training team members
• Lead feature development and assume responsibility for completion on time

Requirements:

• Bachelor/Master in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science or related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience in low‑level real‑time/embedded SW programming with C/C++
• Experience in lab work and on‑target debugging using test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Generator, Oscilloscope, etc.
• Basic digital signal processing knowledge
• Experience with reading HW specifications and developing low level drivers
• Knowledge of wireless communications standards an advantage
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
• Basic knowledge of Matlab and Python - Advantage

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 Space 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 Space’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 Space 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.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA Space 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 Space 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.