Role Digital Payload System Engineer responsible for design, integration, verification, and operational support of current and next‑generation Earth observation and communications satellites. The role includes defining, designing, integrating, verifying, and sustaining digital payload subsystems across multiple satellite programs, influencing system‑level tradeoffs, driving technology roadmaps, and acting as the primary technical interface with customers, prime contractors and internal multidisciplinary teams. Responsibilities Architecture Concept & Requirements Gather functional, performance, environmental and security requirements from mission stakeholders & CONOPs. Map requirements to payload equipment performance with I/F with on‑board processor. Coordinate with cybersecurity team for payload‑specific assessments. Maintain bidirectional traceability of requirements throughout the program life cycle. Payload Architecture & Design Implement the high‑level digital payload architecture (optical ISLs, Phased array antennas, Feeder links & front‑end), master reference oscillator & clock synchronizations. Produce Interface Control Documents (ICDs) with other subsystems and ground segment. Implement high‑speed data‑bus I/F (SpaceWire, SpaceFibre, Ethernet, CAN). Simulation & Analysis Perform performance simulations (Gain, Spurious, Linearity, SNR, dynamic range, spectral efficiency, G/T, EIRP …) and Monte‑Carlo analyses for tolerance budgeting. Define and maintain payload DC power budget with traffic & utilization models. Perform FMECA, fault tree and FDIR, reliability modeling and availability to meet mission objectives. Hardware & Firmware Provide system‑level specifications to hardware designers, review schematics, layouts, thermal interfaces, and mechanical constraints. Support SW development for MODCODs and on‑board processing pipelines; ensure BIST, timing, latency and deterministic behavior. Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction Communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to senior management and/or customers or partners. Support payload design authority in System design reviews, Power/Structure/Thermal interfaces and Mission Operations assessments. Liaise with Electrical, Power, Structures, Thermal, Software, Ground‑Segment and Mission‑Operations teams to resolve integration issues early. Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre‑phase A). Integration & Verification (IVV) Develop Payload Verification Master Plan covering unit‑test, subsystem‑test, payload‑level test, environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test campaigns. Lead test‑automation framework set‑up, test‑case definition, results analysis and test‑report certification. Technical Leadership & Mentorship Mentor, guide junior engineers and interns. Act as technical liaison with customers, partners and external vendors. Act as Continuous Improvement stakeholder. Contribute to MDA’s knowledge‑base, process enhancements, and standards development. Configuration, Documentation & Standards Management Ensure all artefacts, analysis, software, deliverables and documentation are version controlled in PLM environment. Lead and Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR/TRR …). Support Technology Road‑Mapping & Innovation. On Orbit & Operations Support Provide technical support to Mission Operations for routine payload health monitoring, contingency handling and performance trending. Lead root‑cause investigations for on‑orbit anomalies; update design baselines and lessons‑learned. Analyze on‑orbit telemetry, update filter parameters, and generate performance reports. Support SOOH development and associated operator training. Required Qualifications Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or Physics 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. Strong understanding of aerospace system engineering fundamentals. Hands‑on individual who can support systems integration processes and capability to test systems and resolve problems. Experience with Confluence and JIRA. Demonstrated capability to efficiently work with little supervision. Ability to distill complex problems to fundamentals to solve with analysis, similarity, or creativity. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French considered an asset. Comments / Special Considerations Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP). Benefits MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. Team members and their qualified dependents are eligible to participate in benefit plans that include comprehensive health care (extended health care and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans) and an employee and family assistance program. Equal Opportunity Employer 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 and Canada’s leadership in the next golden age. Accessibility MDA is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr