Aerospace Systems Engineer
Work Location: Waterloo, ON
About Canadian Strategic Missions Corp. (CSMC)
Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation is building the capabilities that will shape Canada's future in space, defence, and energy. We focus on developing dual use systems that address critical challenges here on Earth while enabling sustained human activity beyond it.
In a short time, CSMC has established real momentum. WE have secured significant government investment to advance next generation micro nuclear reactors in partnership with leading institutions, alongside expanding a portfolio of technologies designed for remote environments, national defence, and future space missions. These efforts reflect a broader ambition to deliver reliable power and critical infrastructure where it matters most.
Our work is grounded in close collaboration with government and guided by a clear sense of purpose: to build sovereign capability at a time when it has never been more important. We care deeply about execution, long term impact and earning the trust required to deliver systems that will service Canada and its allies for decades.
CSMC is a company for builders. We are a group of people drawn to hard problems, meaningful impact and the opportunity to shape systems that matter at a national and global scale. We are building a team that thrives in ambiguity, values execution, and is motivated by mission and impact.
About the Role
CSMC is seeking a Senior Aerospace Systems Engineer to support the design, integration, and delivery of advanced aerospace and defence systems. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, mission design, and program execution, and will contribute directly to the development of complex, multi-domain platforms across aerospace, energy, and national security applications.
You will work closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and program leaders to define system architectures, manage technical trade-offs, and ensure that integrated systems meet performance, reliability, and mission requirements. This role is ideal for a systems engineer who thrives in high-consequence environments and is motivated by building technologies with real-world impact.
Responsibilities
- Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, including requirements definition, system architecture, integration, validation, and verification
- Define and manage system-level requirements, ensuring traceability from mission objectives to subsystem specifications
- Coordinate integration across hardware, software, and embedded systems, ensuring alignment and performance across subsystems
- Conduct trade studies and technical analyses to support design decisions and optimize system performance
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align technical development with program objectives and timelines
- Support development of technical proposals, RFP responses, and program documentation for government, defence, and aerospace opportunities
- Participate in risk identification and mitigation planning across engineering and program delivery
- Contribute to system testing, validation, and field deployment activities
- Maintain awareness of evolving aerospace, defence, and dual-use technologies, informing system design and product strategy
Qualifications
Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in systems engineering within aerospace, defence, or complex hardware environments
- Demonstrated experience with system integration, requirements management, and lifecycle engineering processes
- Experience working on multi-disciplinary systems involving hardware, software, and/or embedded components
- Familiarity with regulated or high-reliability environments (e.g., aerospace, defence, nuclear, or critical infrastructure)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced environments
Preferred
- Experience with:
- Aerospace platforms (UAVs, avionics, spacecraft, or mission systems)
- Defense or government programs, including RFP processes and structured program delivery
- Systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Cameo, MATLAB/Simulink)
- Knowledge of:
- Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles
- Safety, reliability, and certification frameworks
- Experience in systems architecture, system-of-systems design, or mission engineering
- Advanced degree (M.Sc., M.Eng.) or equivalent experience
Why Join CSMC
CSMC is building technologies that will shape Canada’s future in energy, space, and national security. You’ll join a team of engineers, scientists, and mission‑driven builders who care deeply about solving hard problems that matter. We move quickly, support each other, and take pride in doing work that has real impact. Along the way, you’ll have access to competitive compensation, benefits, and equity, and the chance to grow with a company that values ownership, curiosity, and technical excellence.
Employment Eligibility
CSMC works with highly sensitive nuclear, defence, and aerospace technologies, and all roles require eligibility for federal security screening and compliance with controlled goods and export regulations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, able to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, and eligible to meet foreign affiliation and export control requirements. These conditions are mandatory Bona Fide Occupational Requirements and reflect the need to securely develop and protect nationally significant capabilities.
