Propelling Montreal Engineering Into Orbit

This article was originally published in French in the February 27, 2025, edition of La Presse+.

“I've never seen this level of dynamism in over 30 years,” says Luigi Pozzebon, Vice-President of Satellite Systems at MDA Space. The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue research, development and production centre, where some of the world's most sophisticated communications satellites are developed, is doubling in size. Major contracts require the hiring of over 250 people in all departments. What might a career with the Montréal-based division of an international company be like?

Challenges That Are Out of This World

The space industry has something to offer inventive minds looking to quench their thirst for challenges. Each kilogram of a satellite represents tens of thousands of dollars in launch costs, leading to the use of ultralight materials and efforts to reduce the size of the platform. Components must withstand the inordinate acoustic pressure and random vibrations of the rocket that will carry it into orbit.

Once in space, the satellite endures daily hot-cold cycles ranging from -170°C to 170°C. It is bombarded by solar radiation. “Not to mention the fact that satellites must remain functional for years, with no possibility of hardware repair,” adds François Fontaine, Director of Engineering at MDA Space.

Collaborative Engineering

At MDA Space, developing products capable of withstanding such extreme conditions requires the collaboration of some 1,400 people. Virtually every field of engineering is represented to the design some of the most advanced printed circuit boards available containing chips capable of processing massive amounts of data, software for use on board (and on the ground), ultra-robust mechanical systems, high-precision antennas... and even to invent the test equipment to make sure everything works.

Involvement, From Concept to Launch

Another unique aspect of MDA Space is its engineering professionals, who are involved not only in design, but also in testing, manufacturing and sometimes even the launch of satellites. “As a designer, being able to follow the complete evolution of a part allows us to continually improve,” explains François Fontaine.

The Stars Align

Renowned worldwide for its expertise in ultra-high-tech space applications, MDA Space is entering a new era in its history. Contracts with Telesat and Globalstar call for the manufacture of satellite constellations for low Earth orbit (LEO), comprising hundreds of units. All this equipment is used primarily to provide high-speed telecommunications services to businesses, and to remote areas. It also provides connectivity to mobile devices when terrestrial cellular networks are unavailable.

Previously accustomed to delivering one bespoke satellite every two years, the company is now shifting its operations to produce two every day. This pivot to high-volume production calls for a completely different approach, one that offers engineers the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

Teams are encouraged to always push design further since every good idea can mean huge savings in time or production costs. The company offers a fabulous playground for engineering professionals of all ages and specialties, where a passion for high technology can truly take off. “Because people are our DNA,” adds François Fontaine.

Making the Next Generation Shine

In the last year of her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Alice Kazarine learned that MDA Space had a satellite division in Montréal. She saw an opportunity to fulfill her childhood dream of working in the field of aerospace.

This passionate engineer joined the organization as soon as she finished her studies. Here, she designs printed circuit boards as part of the development of a range of software-defined satellite products that form the backbone of Telesat Lightspeed. This constellation of 198 satellites aims to provide fibre-like connectivity from space, anywhere in the world.