Sr. Systems Validation Engineer (SerDes / Physical Layer)

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space in Farnborough is seeking a Sr. Systems Validation Engineer to validate high‑speed SerDes PHYs, lead lab bring‑up and tuning, and develop automated test plans for chip and system level validation.

The role involves working with real‑world RF/analog test equipment, performing eye diagrams, jitter tests, and root‑cause analysis while collaborating with development and test teams to ensure product quality. On‑site in Farnborough, UK.

Qualifications

• Batchelor/Master Degree in Electronic/Computer Science Engineering
• Ideally, 8-13 years of post‑graduation working experience
• Experience of testing Telecommunication or Satellite Systems
• Experience of Chip and system testing, especially with Analog, RF and high speed blocks
• Knowledge in time domain high speed links (SerDes) and equipment (BERT, DCA)
• Program languages in automation test environments (C/C++/Python etc.)
• Strong debugging skills and root-cause analysis
• Experience in planning, estimating and development of system tests
• Defect tracking tools (JIRA, Confluence preferred)
• Knowledge of RF test equipment and theory
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in fast-paced environment
• RF fundamentals and communications theory knowledge
• Independent, self-motivated team player

Responsibilities

• Validate high-speed SerDes PHY functionality and performance
• Conduct link bring-up and equalization tuning
• Perform PVT and data-rate tests across bandwidths
• Lab bring-up and measurement with scopes, BERT, DCA, PNAX
• Develop test plans for chip and system tests
• Create Python-based test automation for validation
• Analyze test data and identify root causes with teams
• Support CI and test management tools

Skills

SerDes testing

Python

C/C++

Debugging

Test automation

Data analysis

Lab validation

Education

Bachelor/Master in Electronic/Computer Science

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Oscilloscopes

BERT

DCA

PNAX

Spectrum Analyzers

VNAs

Job description

Sr. Systems Validation Engineer (SerDes / Physical Layer)

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: SRSYS012165

• Posted : July 15, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Farnborough, HA GU147LS, GBR

Description

ABOUT MDA SPACE

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 more information, visit www.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, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

Role: Reporting to the Chip Validation Team Leader, the candidate will have the following responsibilities:

• Validate high-speed SerDes PHY.
• Link bring-up
• Equalization tuning
• PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature)
• Different data rates and bandwidths

Lab Bring-up & Measurement

• Work hands‑on with lab equipment:
  • Oscilloscopes (real-time / sampling)
  • BERT (Bit Error Rate Tester)
  • DCA
  • PNAX
• Perform:
  • Eye diagram measurements
  • Jitter tolerance testing
  • Tune PHY parameters
  • Enable debug hooks (register access, logging)
  • Able to test a Stressed eye
• Validation of MDA Chipsets verifying functional and performance metrics
• Development and ownership of chip and system test plan with collaboration of development and test teams
• Development of test automation in Python for the chip and system test plans
• Investigation of root cause of test case failures and providing corrective action in conjunction with the development teams
• Execution, development and planning of Chip & System tests and Contribute to the evolution of product quality for MDA ESMA silicon products
• Support Test Management tools and continuous integration methodologies
• Data analysis and post processing of data collected

Requirements:

• Batchelor/Master Degree in Electronic/Computer Science Engineering
• Ideally, 8-13 years of post‑graduation working experience
• Experience of testing Telecommunication or Satellite Systems
• Experience of Chip and system testing, especially with Analog, RF and high speed communication blocks
• Knowledge in time domain high speed links (SerDes) and associated equipment (BERT, DCA)
• Proven experience in program language in an automation test environment (C/C++/Python etc.)
• Very good debugging skills. Ability to investigate and root cause the issues observed
• Experience in planning, estimating and development of system tests
• Defect Tracking and Knowledge Management software (Atlassian JIRA and Confluence preferred)
• Knowledge of testing Methodologies
• Knowledge of operation of RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analysers, VNAs/PNA’s, Sig. Gens, power meters, high speed sampling scopes, etc.
• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• Knowledge on RF fundamentals and communications theory
• Independent, self-motivated, team player and multitasking capabilities
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and changing environment

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.

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