Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Payload

Our Montreal client is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Payload
Role Overview Lead the front-end architecture and design of advanced LEO/MEO communication satellite constellations featuring high-data-rate systems. You will drive end-to-end payload optimization from initial proposal through the full program lifecycle.

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Key Responsibilities

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  Architectural Leadership: Lead design and end-to-end analysis of high-capacity communication payloads and constellation telecommunications.
  
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  Requirements & Trades: Perform detailed trade studies and flow down system requirements to subsystems (Digital Processors, Phased Array Antennas, Optical ISLs, and Feeder Subsystems).
  
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  Capacity & Performance: Evaluate satellite capacity and lead technical design reviews across the space program lifecycle.
  
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  Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with customers/program leads and supervise the generation of comprehensive test plans.
  

Required Qualifications

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  Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  
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  Experience: 15 years in payload engineering, including 10 years in complex systems architecture.
  
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  Technical Expertise: * Strong background in LEO/MEO constellation design and RF/Digital/Optical performance budgets.
  
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    Deep knowledge of SDR, signal processing, routing protocols, and beamformed payloads.
    
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    Familiarity with 5G NTN, space environments, and orbital mechanics.
    
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  Soft Skills: Proven track record in team leadership (mentoring junior engineers), customer relations, and Agile methodologies.
  
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  Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills in French (required) and English (favorable).
  

Core Areas of Expertise

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  Systems Design: Complex digital communication systems, user links (FWD/RTN), and feeder links.
  
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  Hardware Management: Experience managing suppliers for digital and RF hardware.
  
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  V&V: Extensive experience in integration, testing, and V&V of complex satellite payloads.
  

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.