Program manager - Data management (Space)

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 4 000 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.

Mission

Lead the organization's data management and integration strategy by enabling secure, compliant, and efficient data exchange across internal systems, customers, suppliers, and partners. The role ensures that data is accessible, governed, protected, and positioned to support digital transformation, advanced analytics, and Artificial Intelligence initiatives while meeting the stringent regulatory requirements of the space and defense sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Data Pipeline Management and System Integration

• Establish and continuously improve data pipelines that ensure reliable, secure, and automated data flows across the organization.
• Partner closely with Corporate IT as well as Corporate Data and AI teams to develop scalable data architectures, integration frameworks, and digital platforms.
• Serve as the primary business lead for data exchanges between internal functions, customers, suppliers, and external partners.
• Define and standardize data exchange mechanisms, interoperability requirements, and governance practices throughout the value chain.
• Eliminate data silos and improve connectivity between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, program management, and business systems.
• Ensure data quality, traceability, integrity, and consistency throughout all integrated systems and data flows.
• Support enterprise digital transformation initiatives by aligning business requirements with corporate data, analytics, and AI roadmaps.

Data Governance Leadership

• Establish, implement, and maintain a robust data governance framework aligned with corporate standards and business objectives.
• Define policies, processes, standards, and accountability models for enterprise data management.
• Collaborate with Corporate Data and AI teams to develop governance models that support advanced analytics and AI-driven decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional governance committees and ensure alignment between business units and corporate functions.
• Define and maintain data ownership, stewardship, and custodianship responsibilities across the organization.
• Drive data maturity initiatives through performance metrics, governance assessments, and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure compliance with corporate standards related to data classification, accessibility, retention, quality, and security.

Strategic Collaboration with Corporate IT, Data and AI Organizations

• help corporate build the right policies and actively participate to part of the data governance council
• Translate business priorities into technology, data, and AI requirements.
• Support the development of enterprise roadmaps related to data platforms, digital engineering, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Lead cross-functional digital transformation initiatives involving operational teams, engineering, suppliers, customers, and corporate functions.
• Promote the adoption of enterprise platforms and standardized solutions to maximize scalability and business value.
• Ensure alignment between local business objectives and enterprise-wide digital transformation strategies.
• Leverage industry standards and best practices to implement foundational solutions that are scalable and can support any scenario (current and future)

Regulatory Compliance and Export Control

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations including:
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
• EAR (Export Administration Regulations)
• Controlled Goods Program (CGP)
• Government security and defense requirements
• Collaborate with Export Control, Security, Legal, and Corporate Compliance teams to manage risks associated with controlled technical data.
• Ensure proper classification, handling, marking, storage, and transfer of export-controlled and sensitive information.
• Support internal, customer, and government audits.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Enablement

• Partner with Corporate AI and Data teams to identify, prioritize, and deploy high-value AI use cases across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and program management.
• Ensure data readiness, quality, and governance for AI and advanced analytics applications.
• Establish governance frameworks supporting the responsible and secure use of Artificial Intelligence.
• Promote AI adoption while protecting intellectual property, sensitive information, and controlled technical data.
• Champion automation, analytics, and data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Support the deployment of enterprise AI capabilities in alignment with corporate strategies and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in:
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Data Management
• Cybersecurity or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Data Management, Data Governance, Digital Transformation, or Information Management.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience within the Space, Aerospace, Defense, Manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.

Technical Knowledge

• Data Governance and Data Management.
• Data Integration and Data Pipeline Architecture.
• Enterprise Systems Integration (PLM, ERP, MES, CRM).
• Cloud platforms and Data Lakes.
• Export Control regulations (ITAR, EAR, CGP).
• Cybersecurity and role-based access management.
• Artificial Intelligence governance and deployment.
• Change Management and Digital Transformation.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and influence.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and cross-organizational initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Business acumen combined with technical understanding.
• Ability to build effective partnerships with Corporate IT, Corporate Data & AI teams, customers, suppliers, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional) certification.
• Experience with Teamcenter, SAP, Snowflake, Databricks, Azure Data Services, or similar enterprise platforms.
• Experience supporting classified, defense, or government programs.
• Knowledge of NIST, ISO 27001, CMMC, or equivalent security frameworks.
• Government security clearance eligibility.

Position Objective

Create a connected, governed, and AI-ready digital ecosystem that enables seamless data exchange across the enterprise, customers, suppliers, and partners while leveraging close collaboration with Corporate IT and Corporate Data & AI organizations to accelerate innovation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance in the space and defense industry.

#LI-PP1 #LI-DM1 #IND1 #SP

Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

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 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’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

MDA 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.