MDA is looking for a GNC engineer for the design, integration, verification, and operational support of GNC subsystems intended for our current and next-generation remote sensing and telecommunications satellites. The incumbent will design the complete subsystem, from algorithm development to hardware implementation, validation, and on-orbit support. The position requires in-depth expertise in orbital mechanics, attitude determination and control, as well as in the definition and integration of real-time embedded software; the engineer will work in close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams throughout the satellite life cycle.

Summary of duties

Architecture, Concept & Requirements

- Establish functional and performance requirements (pointing accuracy, guidance, orbit maintenance ΔV, fault tolerance) based on mission requirements.
- Produce system requirements, interface control document (ICD), and design description.
- Perform requirements management and ensure bidirectional traceability throughout the project.

Modelling & Comparative Study

- Conduct comparative studies on all sensors and actuator families.
- Perform high-fidelity dynamic simulations (Matlab/Simulink, STK) in order to satisfy pointing requirements, respect the error budget, ensure the stability of control laws, control fuel consumption, and guarantee survivability margins.

Algorithm Development

- Design and implement attitude determination and orbit determination algorithms.
- Develop control laws for 3-axis stabilization, guidance maneuvers, and station-keeping algorithms.




- Validate scenarios and algorithms through Monte-Carlo analysis and SIL/HIL tests on avionics test benches.

Cross-functional Coordination, Stakeholders & Program Interaction

- Translate algorithms into FSW requirements on real-time operating systems.
- Collaborate with C&DH; and FSW teams to implement TM/TC, schedulers, and FDIR logic.
- Present technical status, risk analyses, and comparative study results to program management.
- Negotiate and maintain ICDs with subsystems.
- Support B&P; activities (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Equipment Selection & Design

- Specify sensors and actuators, define interfaces (electrical, mechanical, thermal) and redundancy.
- Work with structural and thermal engineers for vibration resistance, in compliance with payload requirements.
- Review harness routing and power distribution for GNC equipment.

Integration & Verification (IVV)

- Draft Verification Plans, test matrices, and test procedures.
- Lead functional tests: sensor calibration, actuator-command response, closed-loop attitude control on avionics test benches, and commissioning sequences.
- Perform FMECA and reliability analyses.

Technical Leadership & Mentoring

- Coach and guide junior engineers and interns.
- Serve as the technical point of contact for clients, partners, and external suppliers.




- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to MDA's knowledge base, process improvements, and standards development.

Configuration Management, Documentation

- Maintain GNC standards (sensor/actuator interfaces, filter design, control law documentation).
- Ensure that all artifacts, analyses, software, deliverables, and documents are version-controlled.
- Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR, etc.).
- Support the technology roadmap and innovation.

On-Orbit Support & Operations

- Technical support to SatOps teams for monitoring satellite performance.
- Support anomaly cause investigations; update databases and capitalize on lessons learned (REX).
- Analyze telemetry and generate performance reports.
- Support SOOH development and operator training.

Required Qualifications

- B.Sc. in Electrical, Aerospace, or Physics Engineering (M.Sc. preferred), with 5+ years of experience in GNC/AOCS on LEO, MEO, or GEO platforms.
- Mastery of orbital mechanics, multiaxis control laws, Kalman filters.
- Solid writing skills and solid understanding of space engineering fundamentals.
- Hands-on profile: capable of supporting integration, testing, and troubleshooting processes.
- Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
- Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
- Ability to break down complex problems into basic elements to solve them through analysis, analogy, or creativity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (contact with clients outside Quebec and drafting deliverables in English).

📌 GNC Systems Engineer (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue)
🏢 MDA
📍 Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue