System Validation Engineer - Satellite Ground Station

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Farnborough seeks a System Validation Engineer to perform validation activities in satellite communication systems. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in validation of complex hardware and software designs. Responsibilities include defining test plans, conducting hands-on validation, and collaborating with engineering teams. This full-time on-site position offers an innovative environment in a rapidly evolving industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of system validation experience.
• Proven experience in lab work and validation of complex HW/SW/embedded designs.
• Knowledge of RF Physical layer testing with RF test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct system validation activities including HW and SW validation.
• Define and write automatic test plans and procedures.
• Analyze defects and provide corrective actions.

Skills

System validation experience

Lab work and validation of complex HW/SW

RF Physical layer testing

Automation in validation environments

Testing IP networking systems

Defect tracking and knowledge management

Effective teamwork and collaboration

Tools

Atlassian JIRA

Python

C#

C++

Spectrum Analyzers

VNAs

Sig. Gens

Power meters

High speed sampling scopes

Job description

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: SYSTE010412

• Posted : September 30, 2025
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Farnborough UK
Farnborough Road
Farnborough, GU14 7LS, GBR

System Validation Engineer – Satellite Ground Station

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 global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts 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.

Our Sat Connect IC business unit, a division of our Satellite Systems business is a leading provider of ASICs, software, multibeam electronically steered antennas, and complete systems for communication satellites, as well as ground and airborne terminals. Located in Israel, the UK, Bulgaria, and the US, we are a technology leader in satellite communication.

This is an opportunity to embark on an interesting and challenging adventure into the world of satellite communication which is undergoing a major disruptive revolution.

The LS includes Control and data processing HW, SW as well as Phy and Radio HW and FW, to construct a full communication system supporting DVB‑S2X as well as other Radio and IP communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Landing station system validation activity including Phy, HW and SW validation
• Study system architecture and system requirements and take part in a test plan to address these requirements in collaboration with system engineering and other teams
• Define and write automatic test plans and test procedures for new systems and features
• Build test setups for fully automated regression as well as for manual tests
• Take active part, hands‑on in team execution: integration and feature/product enabling, bring up and debug activities, regression automation test of satellite systems
• Record, investigate and analyze defects
• Investigation of root cause of test case failures and providing corrective action in conjunction with development teams
• Support Test Management tools and continuous integration methodologies
• Data analysis and post processing of data collected
• Compilation of regular Test execution summary report with metrics

Job Requirements

• 5+ years of system validation experience
• Proven experience in lab work and validation of complex HW/SW/embedded designs
• Knowledge of RF Physical layer testing – operation of RF test equipment such as Spectrum Analyzers, VNAs, Sig. Gens, power meters, high speed sampling scopes, etc.
• Experience in developing automation in validation environments - Proven experience in a programming language (Python / C# /C++ etc.)
• Experience in testing IP networking systems (routers, network processors), Knowledge in IP communication protocols and complex networks performance
• Experience in planning, estimating and development of system tests
• Defect Tracking and Knowledge Management software (Atlassian JIRA and Confluence preferred)
• Self‑learning capabilities, adapt to changes and study new technical fields
• Independent, self‑motivated, team player and multitasking capabilities
• Effective teamwork, collaboration, and mission leadership skills
• Excellent Interpersonal skills

We’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’s leadership in this next golden age.

Equal opportunity statement

MDA 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.

Accommodations

MDA Space 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.