CONOPs and Mission Analysis System Engineer

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. 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. For more information, visit .

Role overview:

MDA is seeking a CONOPS and Mission Analysis System Engineer to own the definition, development and documentation of CONOPS, mission scenarios, operational concepts and quantitative mission analyses for current and next‑generation remote sensing and communications satellite missions. The engineer will work closely with customers, prime contractors and internal multidisciplinary teams to translate stakeholder needs into clear, traceable operational concepts that guide system architecture, requirements allocation, risk assessment and program planning.

Tasks summary:

Stakeholder Requirement Capture

• Gather functional, performance, environmental and security requirements from customer top level mission objectives.
• Conduct workshops, interviews and trade‑study sessions to capture explicit and implicit operational needs.

CONOPS Development

• Author the high‑level Concept of Operations document, defining mission phases (launch, EOR, commissioning, nominal operation), ground‑segment interactions, on‑orbit activities, contingency procedures and hand‑over processes.
• Produce supporting artefacts (scenario diagrams, activity flowcharts, timeline).

Mission Scenario Modeling

• Build quantitative mission analysis models (orbit propagation, coverage, link‑budget, resource utilization) using modeling tools such as SysML.
• Evaluate alternative architectures (orbit, constellation size, payload configurations) depending on performance, cost and risk metrics.

Requirements Allocation & Traceability

• Translate CONOPS outcomes into system‑level requirements and perform requirement management and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the program lifecycle.

Interface Definition & Development

• Define and document interfaces between spacecraft, payload, ground‑segment and mission‑operations teams (ICDs, data‑flow diagrams).

Cross‑Functional Coordination, Stakeholder & Program Interaction

• Document and communicate technical status, risk assessments and trade‑study results to senior management and/or customers or partners.
• Lead trade‑studies that assess spacecraft bus, payload, launch‑vehicle and ground segment options.
• Support B&P (Phase 0 & pre-phase A).

Integration & Verification (IVV)

• Develop verification plans, test matrices, test scripts and validation procedures to ensure operational readiness.

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

• Present CONOPS and mission analysis results at SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR.
• Ensure all artefacts, analysis, deliverables, software and documentation are version controlled in PLM.
• Support Technology Road‑Mapping & Innovation

On Orbit & Operations Support

• Provide on‑going support to Mission Operations for health‑monitoring, contingency handling and performance trending.
• Update CONOPS and analysis models as the mission evolves (e.g., constellation expansion, new services).
• 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 experience in LEO/MEO mission planning and operations.
• Strong understanding of space system engineering fundamentals, space environment and orbit mechanics.
• 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.
• 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).

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).

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.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and 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 this next golden age.

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; 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.

MDA 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.