Senior Systems Engineer

Job description

Mission Control is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with a Rover Development Facility in St. Mary’s, Ontario. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our team. About Us Mission Control empowers explorers by innovating to make advanced technology viable for use in space. Using Spacefarer™ and SpacefarerAI™ , customers can simplify mission development and operations while unlocking the potential of new scientific and commercial opportunities on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and beyond. Spacefarer™ is being trusted for multiple missions to the Moon by mission controllers, scientists, and software developers who seek faster deployments, lower-cost mission development, and valuable data returns. Mission Control launched the Persistence Mission– Canada’s giant leap for AI in space – in June of 2025. Mission Control is inspired by a vision of the world in which access to space is ubiquitous and inspires all humans to treasure planet Earth and marvel at the universe. Please visit our website to learn more about our team and ongoing projects: . About the Job Mission Control is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the expansion of our technology portfolio for robotic space missions, with a focus on planetary rover systems. As part of our team, you will serve as a technical authority and system-level leader, responsible for defining, architecting, and delivering complex, mission-critical systems across the full lifecycle—from early R&D through to flight operations. The ideal candidate is passionate about building solutions to automate and operate space robotics across Technology Readiness Levels. The successful candidate will support technical leadership across our projects and products with a focus on system architecture, requirements definition and management, assembly, integration and test, verification and validation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We are seeking candidates who enjoy critical and strategic thinking, thrive on technical communication with multiple stakeholders internally and externally, and find creative solutions to meet the challenges of everything from fundamental R&D to flight missions. You could be a good fit for this role if you are passionate about making an impact on the space sector and want to contribute to growing a small company from the ground up! You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks with the potential to make a difference in the emerging space economy, so you must be a versatile self-starter who works well in teams and is not afraid to learn something new. You will support and become a critical member of our team – a team of engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts, who are passionate about being part of humanity’s next bold steps in space exploration, with a view to inspiring the next generation and the public through our work and our contributions to exploring the solar system! Tasks and Responsibilities As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will: Own system architecture and technical baseline Lead end-to-end system architecture definition for lunar rover technologies and platforms, including avionics, guidance navigation and control (GN&C), sensors, communication, ground segment, control subsystems and rover software and firmware Establish system design principles, constraints, and trade-space for mission success Lead trade studies balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule Lead the definition, documentation, and management of hardware and software requirements, ensuring traceability across all mission segments Specify, design, and validate mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, and software interfaces between avionics, embedded computers, sensors, actuators, payloads and users. Collaborate with experts in GN&C, rover mobility, and operations to ensure robust integration and compatibility. Oversee the integration of visual navigation sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR), and GN&C algorithms with spacecraft avionics and embedded systems. Develop and manage ICDs (Interface Control Documents) for mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, software and user interfaces, ensuring compliance with space industry and other applicable standards. Conduct system-level verification and validation, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), field tests and environmental qualification. Ensure full traceability, verification alignment, and configuration control Drive multidisciplinary design reviews and technical trade studies, both internally and externally with customers and other team members Identify and mitigate system-level risks, focusing on interface robustness, data integrity, timing/synchronization, fault tolerance, redundancy and maintenance and serviceability. Lead anomaly resolution and root cause investigations Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of rigorous systems engineering and technical excellence, providing engineering leadership and mentorship Contribute to the evolution of engineering best practices, and providing opportunities for improvement in existing policies, processes and procedures. Skills and Experience As a Systems Engineer you have: 7-12of work experience in complex multidisciplinary engineering projects; space robotics, satellite, defence or autonomous vehicles highly desirable. A Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, e.g. engineering, physics, data science, computer science, mathematics etc., graduate degree an asset Proven experience leading system architecture and integration Strong background in requirements engineering and lifecycle management Hands-on experience with mechanical and mechatronics flight systems and subsystems, space avionics, and electrical/data/software interfaces Experience developing and managing ICDs and interface specifications. Familiarity with GN&C, embedded software, and visual navigation sensor development and integration. Proficiency with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama) and systems modeling languages (e.g., SysML/UML). Skilled in hardware/software integration, simulation, and test methodologies including HIL. Ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate across disciplines. Excellent analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Soft skills: Strong prioritization and execution leadership, with the ability to balance competing technical objectives, program constraints, and long-term system goals in a dynamic environment. Proven ability to operate effectively under ambiguity, making sound, timely decisions with incomplete information while maintaining progress across multiple workstreams. Advanced problem-solving and systems thinking, with a proactive approach to identifying risks, resolving complex technical challenges, and driving solutions across organizational boundaries. Continuous improvement mindset, with demonstrated ability to introduce and scale new processes, tools, and best practices that enhance engineering effectiveness and system quality. Excellent communication and influence skills, capable of clearly articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineers, executives, customers, and external partners. Strong collaboration and leadership presence, with the ability to guide cross-functional teams, build alignment, and mentor others without relying on formal authority. Bonus points for: Experience interfacing directly with customers, partners, and senior leadership in high-stakes environments Experience contributing to or establishing engineering processes, quality frameworks, or system governance Familiarity with program or project leadership (e.g., managing cost/schedule/technical trade-offs), including tools such as MS Project Special Comments Security: Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance in Canada at the reliability status level (and potentially at the higher levels), and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP). Due to the security clearance required for Mission Control's facility, only Canadian Citizen's and Permanent Residents are eligible at this time. Salary: The salary range for this position is $105,000-$170,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience Location This position is based in Ottawa , Ontario. Successful candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to Ottawa. Some travel may be required at certain times for this role, always following the Health and Safety Guidance of the Government of Canada. What’s In It For You? Be on the forefront of space exploration and the emerging commercial space industry. Work to solve problems with a team of intelligent, fun people! Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package including vacation pay, wellness plan (health, vision, dental) and unlimited unpaid time off. Relocation assistance for eligible employees. Two weeks of sick/personal leave per year. Employee Stock Option plan for equity sharing. Flexible working hours. Work in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It is extremely important to us that all employees feel safe and supported at work, and feel able to bring their whole selves to work. Be part of a family-friendly company, where we understand the needs of working parents with young children (because many of us are too!). Bi-weekly coffee chats for connecting with colleagues socially, and for mentorship by senior staff How To Apply Please apply directly through this posting, or send your application by email to . Application materials include: Cover letter and resume as a single PDF (required) Portfolio material, references, or other indications of exceptional past work (optional) During the hiring process we may ask to see examples of previous work or ask for a small project. As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we accept and encourage anonymized resumes. We will accept applications until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.