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 4,000 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.

MDA is seeking a Digital Payload Architect to own the definition, high‑level architecture, trade‑studies and technology‑road‑mapping of digital payload subsystems across multiple satellite programs. This role is a senior technical bridge between customers, prime contractors and MDA’s multidisciplinary payload engineering teams, ensuring that the digital payload delivers the performance, reliability and cost targets per the mission objectives. Establish functional, performance, environmental and security requirements with mission stakeholders & CONOPs.

Translate requirements into clear payload performance parameters and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the project lifecycle. Establish with cybersecurity team payload‑specific requirements & embed resilience and security by design. Define the overall digital payload architecture (optical/RF ISLs, antenna arrays, digitizers/ on‑board processing, Feeder links, master reference oscillator & clock synchronizations).

Define Interface Control

Documents (ICDs) with spacecraft bus, ground segment and payload‑specific subsystems. Identify emerging technologies and incorporate them into MDA’s long‑term roadmap.

System





Modeling & Performance Simulation Build end‑to‑end models of the signal chain (optical/RF, analog/digital) using MATLAB/Simulink, SystemView or Python‑based toolkits. Run Monte‑Carlo and tolerance analyses to verify gain, SNR, energetic range, spectral efficiency, G/T, EIRP and other key metrics. Optimize payload design and performance with operation with traffic models/CONOPs.

Simulation & Analysis Oversee performance simulations & analysis (Gain, Spurious, Linearity, SNR, dynamic range, spectral efficiency, pointing, G/T, EIRP…etc.) Own system‑level specifications to hardware designers, review schematics, layouts, thermal & mechanical interfaces. Oversee MODCODs selection and on‑board processing pipelines; Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to senior management and/or customers or partners. Act as the primary technical liaison with Electrical, Power, Structures, Thermal, Software, Ground‑Segment and Mission‑Operations teams to resolve integration issues early.

Define test‑automation framework set‑up, test‑case definition, results analysis and test‑report certification.

Technical

Leadership & Mentorship Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management ~ Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables and documentation are version controlled in PLM environment.



Technical support to Mission Operations for routine payload health monitoring, contingency handling and performance trending. Analyze on‑orbit telemetry, update filter parameters, and generate performance reports.

Define SOOH and associated operator training. Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or Physics (M.Sc. preferred) with 10 + years of digital regenerative payload system design experience on LEO/MEO missions. Comprehensive knowledge of digital communications, SDR, DSP, DVB RCS/SX protocols, Modulation schemes, Class of Service, Networking, MPLS, 2G, 5G, Strong technical‑writing ability (requirements, ICDs, test procedures, risk reports) and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with customers, suppliers and senior leadership.

Hands‑on individual who can support systems integration processes and capability to test systems and resolve problems. Demonstrated capability to efficiently work with little supervision. Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals to solve with analysis, similarity, or creativity.

Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French will be considered an asset (Contact with clients outside Quebec and work on deliverables in English). Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) . An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age. extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

📌 Performance Testing Architect (Quebec City)
🏢 Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates
📍 Quebec City