Satellite TT&C/PDT Systems Engineer | Fastwater Staffing

📍 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
📄 Employment Type: Contract-to-Permanent (Preferred) / Contract
🏢 Work Arrangement: TBD
🚀 Start Date: Immediate
💰 Compensation: TBD -- based on skills and experience

Important Screening Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Must be capable of obtaining the required security clearance.
• English proficiency is required. French is considered an asset.
• Candidates must have strong hands-on experience with satellite TT&C/PDT systems.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Satellite TT&C/PDT Systems Engineer to support the design, integration, verification, and operational support of TT&C/PDT subsystems for current and next-generation remote sensing and communications satellites.

In this role, you will work across spacecraft payload, ground-segment, and mission-operations teams to ensure reliable command delivery, high-fidelity telemetry acquisition, and robust data handling throughout the satellite lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define TT&C/PDT functional architecture, including command generation, uplink, telemetry downlink, onboard data handling, and RF front-end systems.
• Conduct trade studies involving modulation schemes, coding, frequency plans, ranging, and link budgets.
• Develop system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and system description documents.
• Manage requirements and maintain bidirectional traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support cybersecurity and resilience considerations within TT&C/PDT system design.
• Lead detailed design of TT&C hardware and software, including transceivers, RF front-ends, antenna pointing, command sequencing, telemetry parsing, and health monitoring.
• Perform RF link-budget analysis, RF simulation, and error-budget analysis using tools such as STK and MATLAB.
• Verify compliance with CCSDS, ECSS, ITU, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support Satellite Reference Database development and validation.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and verification matrices for unit, subsystem, and spacecraft-level TT&C testing.
• Execute RF link testing, BER testing, command latency verification, and telemetry integrity testing.
• Lead anomaly investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Support spacecraft launch preparation and early-orbit checkout, including command uplink and telemetry acquisition.
• Provide real-time command and telemetry support during nominal and contingency operations.
• Support ground-segment configuration, including gateways, mission-control servers, and monitoring dashboards.
• Support SOOH development and operator training.
• Support major design reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, and TRR.
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical liaison with customers, partners, and external vendors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of TT&C/PDT systems design experience on LEO, MEO, and/or GEO satellite platforms.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • CCSDS Telemetry/Telecommand packet standards
  • ECSS telemetry and command protocols
  • PUS services
  • ITU frequency regulations
• Proficiency in RF link-budget analysis.
• Strong understanding of S-band, X-band, and Ka-band modem architectures.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems engineering fundamentals, space environment, and orbit mechanics.
• Hands-on experience supporting systems integration, testing, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex technical challenges into fundamental components.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• French language proficiency.
• Experience supporting end-to-end TT&C/PDT development, integration, verification, and on-orbit operations.
• Experience with spacecraft commissioning and early-orbit operations.
• Experience with RF link testing, BER testing, and telemetry/command integrity verification.
• Experience supporting satellite ground-segment interfaces and mission-control systems.
• Experience contributing to satellite technology roadmaps and early-phase program activities.