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- Tasks: Lead a team in developing cutting-edge communications systems for space missions.
- Company: Join MDA Space, a pioneer in robotics and satellite systems with over 450 missions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team pushing boundaries in the exciting new space economy.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in systems engineering, with leadership experience in telecommunications projects.
- Other info: MDA values diversity and offers accommodations during the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Staff level Member of Technical Staff (Staff Engineer) – Communications Systems Team Lead
Job Category : Engineering
Requisition Number : STAFF008175
Posted : January 9, 2025
Employment Type : Full-Time
Work Mode : Hybrid
Location
Harwell – Didcot
Didcot, OXF OX110QX, GBR
Description
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) 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 MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK 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.
Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!
We’re on the hunt for an Communications Systems Team Lead in our UK business. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, The Communications Systems Team Lead will be responsible for managing our communications systems team based across our UK sites (Harwell, Manchester and Stevenage).
MDA’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.
Responsibilities:
- Communications systems engineering inputs on cost and planning inputs for bids and proposals
- Ensuring that MDA UK programmes are appropriately resourced with communications systems engineers
- Mentoring, coaching and development (through formal or informal training) of systems engineers
- Performance reviews
- Recruitment
- Ownership of the communications systems engineering process
- Project technical reviews
- Systems engineering technical leadership in projects as required, including:
- Providing a technical interface to customers and subcontractors
- Capturing, deriving, and managing engineering requirements
- Developing innovative solutions to engineering requirements
- Analyzing performance & justifying design choices
- Providing oversight and supervision to different engineering disciplines during design, integration and test
- Planning test campaigns
- Troubleshooting hardware and software for space missions
- Analyzing test data and writing test reports
- Delivering verified flight equipment compliant to customer requirements
Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes:
- Ideally, 15+ years experience in systems engineering in satellite or other telecommunications industry
- 5+ years as lead systems engineer/architect in telecommunications projects.
- Good general understanding of the technology required to implement radio frequency telecommunications equipment (software, electronics, ASICs and FPGA)
- Management of teams with 20 or more members
- Experience in design for space
- Strong background in satellite telecommunications, particularly payloads
- Experience in military satellite communications systems
- Experience with ECSS standards and design for space
- Experience in commercial low Earth orbit communications systems
- Experience in satellite on-board digital signal processing
- Experience in phased array antenna design
- Experience in defining technology roadmaps
- Experience in optics, lasers and associated equipment (e.g., Lidar, infrared cameras)
- Experience in or working with AIT, production and PA/QA in the space industry
Personal Profile:
- Committed to quality
- Highly organized
- Thinks critically and quickly to identify problems and their root causes
- Communicates confidently and clearly to internal and external stakeholders
- Willing to travel occasionally (e.g., monthly) to other MDA UK sites
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.
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 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. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.
Equal opportunity statement:
MDA 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 Ltd. 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.
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Staff Engineer - MTS - Systems - Communications Systems Team Lead employer: Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation
Contact Detail:
Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Engineer - MTS - Systems - Communications Systems Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing large teams, as the role requires overseeing a communications systems team of 20 or more members. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in past projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in satellite telecommunications and space technology. Being able to discuss recent trends or innovations during your interview will demonstrate your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with ECSS standards and design for space. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples of how you've applied these standards in previous projects will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the position involves mentoring and coaching, think about your approach to developing others. Be ready to share your strategies for training and performance reviews, as this will show your leadership capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Engineer - MTS - Systems - Communications Systems Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Staff Engineer - MTS - Systems - Communications Systems Team Lead position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your relevant experience in systems engineering, particularly in telecommunications and satellite systems. Emphasize your leadership roles and any specific projects that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your technical expertise but also your passion for space exploration and innovation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.
Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical qualifications, emphasize your soft skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities. These are crucial for the role, especially when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Staff Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of communications systems engineering. Be prepared to discuss your experience with satellite telecommunications, RF equipment, and any relevant projects you've led. Highlight specific examples where you provided innovative solutions or overcame technical challenges.
✨Emphasize Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've mentored engineers, conducted performance reviews, and fostered a collaborative environment. MDA values team players, so showing your ability to lead and inspire others will be key.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to systems engineering processes, project management, and troubleshooting. Brush up on ECSS standards, design for space, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Being able to articulate your thought process during these discussions will set you apart.
✨Align with MDA's Vision
MDA is looking for candidates who are passionate about space exploration and innovation. Research the company's recent projects and initiatives, and be ready to discuss how your goals align with their mission. Showing enthusiasm for their work and a commitment to quality will resonate well with the interviewers.
