Flight Controller – Mission Systems & Operations
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 MDA Space team of more than 3,400 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.For more information, visit www.mda.space.We’re on the hunt for robotic Mission Systems & Operations Flight Controllers to join our Robotics & Space Operations team at our Houston, Texas office.With 40 years of operational experience and proven performance on the iconic Canadarm programs including Space Shuttle and International Space Station robotics and operations support, our Robotics & Space Operations team has 100% mission success in making space dreams come true.As a Flight Controller, you will support user-centric development of robotic space systems and ground infrastructure for government and industry customers, be a part of a robotic operations team, and help to define & test tools and processes that support a variety of manned and unmanned spaceflight operations. Destinations include Lunar Outpost (Gateway), the International Space Station, Commercial LEO space station, on-orbit servicing customers and deep space exploration initiatives.ResponsibilitiesIn this exciting role, you will have a direct impact in supporting and enabling the success of human spaceflight exploration and commercial on-orbit servicing initiatives. Duties would include some or all of the following:Support a flight operations team and make decisions which can have consequences for human lives and multi-billion dollar commercial and international space assets. Help to manage risk in building a mission and resolving issues pre-flight and real-timeMake decisions during spaceflight missions and manage robotics assets, ground resources and associated payload operations to ensure crew and vehicle safetySupport development of human and unmanned spaceflight missions through coordination with programs, technical discipline experts, the CSA/NASA Astronaut Office, safety organizations, international partners, commercial customers, Payloads Operations, and other mission-specific stakeholdersHelp define and enforce user centric design principles across all aspects of space & ground robotic system software and hardware through coordination with technical teams, definition of requirements, testing, and support of agile development cyclesSupport the development and evaluation of mission objectives according to programmatic guidelines and constraints. Help to develop and execute Flight Plans according to programmatic mission requirements. Support the enforcement of Mission Rules to ensure crew and vehicle safetySupport the development, coordination, and execution of testing for certification of flight readiness of space hardware, software, and ground systemsSupport the definition, development, coordination, certification, and approval for flight execution of all needed operational procedures, manuals, and flight rules for operating critical space hardwareSupport the determination and implementation of a course of action for contingency situations in the areas of robotic systems and dynamic vehicle interaction, and ground systems to resolve malfunctions and restore the mission to a normal operational stateSupport multi-disciplinary program teams across different sites to meet technical, schedule and cost requirements.Support the maintenance of program visibility at the customer level through regular technical, management, and progress m Liaise with customers to maintain effective relationships to instill and enhance the customer's confidence in MDA's quality systems and productsDemonstrate leadership across the organization; promoting common core valuesExperienceMinimum 5 years of space flight operations experience – controlling mission critical systems in a human spaceflight environmentMinimum 5 years direct experience in simulations, or training of space flight, military or other safety/mission-critical hardware and/or softwareThe applicant should be familiar with the Mobile Servicing System (Canadarm2 and Dextre) and International Space Station operations as well have expertise in some of MSS hardware elementsCandidate should have strong robotics educational background and/or interest in the fieldFamiliarity with human spaceflight safety protocols and best practices, including risk assessment and hazard identificationExperience in flight operations or mission control, preferably with a focus on human spaceflight. Alternatively, experience in satellite space operations would also be an assetStrong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressureAbility to multi-task effectively and manage competing prioritiesExcellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical information to a diverse group of stakeholdersFamiliarity with software and tools used in flight operations, such as mission control software and telemetry systemsAbility to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively with flight controllers, engineers, and astronautsWillingness to work flexible hours and be available for emergency situations as requiredStrong attention to detail and a commitment to safety in all aspects of the jobFamiliarity with NASA and Flight Operations culture and processesBachelor's degree, or equivalent, in engineering or technical fieldExperience with government space agency programsGreat interpersonal skillsTeam player demonstrating a high level of integrityExcellent written and verbal communication skillsConflict management skills in a multi-disciplinary environmentResults-oriented and exhibits excellent critical thinkingStrives to provide customers/clients with personalized and efficient serviceAbility to cope with significant workload peaksAbility to travel as requiredWe’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 Space 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 Space and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.Comments/Special ConsiderationsSuccessful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.Benefits StatementMDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA Space, 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.Equal Opportunity StatementMDA Space 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.AccommodationsMDA 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.#IND