Flight Controller/Flight Operation Lead

Overview MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ history of world firsts and more than 450 missions. We are a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. Our team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK turns audacious customer visions into achievable missions, combining experience, engineering excellence and a passion for space that’s been in our DNA since day one. For this role, we are seeking a Flight Controller/Flight Operation Lead for the Robotics & Space Operations team at our St Hubert, Quebec location, on-site at the Canadian Space Agency. The Flight Operations Lead will focus on on-orbit operations of our space manipulator systems, controlled from the ground and by astronauts. Destinations include Lunar Outpost (Gateway), the International Space Station, Commercial LEO space stations, on-orbit servicing customers and deep space exploration initiatives. The role will support user-centric development of robotic space systems and ground infrastructure for government and industry customers, stand up and lead robotic operations teams, and define and test tools and processes that support both manned and unmanned spaceflight operations. Responsibilities Lead a flight operations team and make decisions with potential consequences for human lives and multi-billion-dollar space assets. Manage risk in building a mission and resolving issues pre-flight and in real time. Make decisions during spaceflight missions and manage robotics assets, ground resources and payload operations to ensure crew and vehicle safety. Lead 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 stakeholders. Define and enforce user-centric design principles across space and ground robotic systems software and hardware through coordination with technical teams, requirements definition, testing, and support of agile development cycles. Develop and evaluate mission objectives according to programmatic guidelines and constraints. Develop and execute Flight Plans according to programmatic mission requirements. Develop and enforce Mission Rules to ensure crew and vehicle safety. Responsible for the development, coordination, and execution of testing for certification of flight readiness of space hardware, software, and ground systems. Responsible for the definition, development, coordination, certification, and approval for flight execution of all needed operational procedures, manuals, and flight rules for operating critical space hardware. Identify staffing needs for mission control facilities that balance cost effectiveness with maintaining the high standards and safety requirements of human space flight and commercial mission operations. Oversee recruitment and development of highly skilled staff to remotely and safely operate complex, mission-critical robotic systems. Direct and help develop certification plans for flight operators and support staff within MDA’s Mission Control Facilities, including: Adapting CSA and NASA's human spaceflight processes for MDA Space Tailoring flight operations for a variety of commercial customer needs Determine contingency actions for robotic systems, ground systems and vehicle interactions to resolve malfunctions and restore operations. Lead multi-disciplinary program teams across sites to meet technical, schedule and cost requirements. Maintain program visibility at the customer level through regular technical and management updates; liaise with customers to maintain confidence in MDA Space's quality systems and products. Demonstrate leadership across the organization by promoting core values and teamwork. Qualifications Minimum 5+ years of space flight operations experience – controlling mission-critical systems in a human spaceflight environment. Minimum 5 years direct experience in simulations or training of space flight, military or other safety/mission-critical hardware and/or software. Familiarity with the Mobile Servicing System (Canadarm2 and Dextre) and International Space Station operations; expertise in MSS hardware elements. Some experience in standing up a command and control center (space operations or military center) would be an asset. Strong robotics educational background and/or interest in the field. Familiarity with human spaceflight safety protocols and best practices, including risk assessment and hazard identification. Experience in flight operations or mission control, preferably with a focus on human spaceflight; or satellite space operations. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure. Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities; strong communication skills (written and verbal) to convey complex technical information to a diverse group of stakeholders. Familiarity with flight operations software and telemetry tools. Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with flight controllers, engineers, and astronauts. Willingness to work flexible hours and be available for emergencies as required; strong safety mindset. Experience with NASA and Flight Operations culture and processes; knowledge of government space agency programs. Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering or a technical field. Great interpersonal skills; team player with integrity; conflict management and results-oriented mindset. Ability to cope with significant workload peaks and travel as required. Security and Compliance Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR. Equal Opportunity and Accommodations MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please notify us. MDA Ltd. provides accommodations during the recruitment process; please indicate accommodation needs in your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet accessibility needs. Benefits MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. Eligible employees and qualified dependents have access to a comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and drug coverage, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, and group retirement savings plans, as well as employee assistance programs. #J-18808-Ljbffr