AI Specialist

About Us  

Mission Control empowers explorers to advance their space missions. We innovate to make modern software viable to use in space, unlocking the potential of new scientific and commercial opportunities on Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond.  

We have a clear vision: to be a workplace where a diverse and thoughtful mix of talented people want to learn and do their best work. We are inspired by a vision of the world in which access to space is ubiquitous and inspires all humans to treasure planet Earth and marvel at the universe. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our team and ongoing projects: https://missioncontrolspace.com. 

About the Job  

Mission Control is seeking an AI Specialist to expand our technology portfolio for mission operations and onboard autonomy.

As part of our AI & Autonomy team you will develop technology that pushes the boundaries of the possible with onboard AI for earth-orbiting spacecraft, lunar rovers, and more.

The ideal candidate is passionate about building Artificial Intelligence technologies across Technology Readiness Levels for planetary science, earth observation, deep space health, on-orbit servicing, and space domain awareness. We are seeking candidates who enjoy critical and strategic thinking, have a deep understanding of machine learning techniques and their application in industry, thrive on technical communication with multiple stakeholders internally and externally, and find creative solutions to meet the challenges of everything from fundamental R&D to flight mission operations. 

You could be a good fit for this role if you are passionate about making an impact on the space sector and want to contribute to growing a small company from the ground up! You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks with the potential to make a difference in global firsts for AI in space, so you must be a versatile self-starter who work well in teams and isn’t afraid to learn something new. 

You will support and become a critical member of our team – a team of engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts, who are passionate about being part of humanity’s next bold steps in space exploration, with a view to inspiring the next generation and the public through our work and our contributions to exploring the solar system! 

Tasks and Responsibilities  

As an AI Specialist you will: 

• Collaborate with fellow AI Specialists, Software Engineers, and Robotics Experts to research, design, develop, and evaluate cutting-edge AI algorithms to address space mission challenges. 

• Perform hand-on collection, curation, analysis and modeling of small and large datasets to develop actionable insights and build foundation models for space applications. 

• Design, develop, and evaluate innovative model architectures
  that are deployed to embedded flight processors under strict size, weight, power, thermal, and radiation requirements. 

• Establish scalable, efficient, automated processes for large scale data analyses, model development, model validation and model implementation. 

• Ensure trustworthy performance and graceful failure modes by verifying and validating the integrity of training data and the
  behaviour of models under edge cases as part of integrated robotic systems. 

• Contribute to our team culture with a positive and start-up oriented attitude– we have a collegial team with a wide range of hobbies and interests.
   

Skills and Experience 

As an AI Specialist you have: 

• 2-5 years of work experience in technology development, data science, R&D or related fields 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, e.g. engineering, physics, data science, computer science, mathematics etc., graduate degree an asset 

• Expertise in developing and executing learning frameworks (e.g., supervised, semi-supervised, etc.) for convolutional neural networks, transformers, recurrent neural networks, generative adversarial networks, or other architectures to solve problems in computer vision, signal processing, data fusion, or other applications; Experience in developing models deployed in operational environments an asset 

• Experience in using Python and hands on experience building models with deep learning frameworks like Tensorflow, Keras, PyTorch, MXNet; experience with machine learning platforms like Neptune.ai and Labelbox an asset 

• Knowledge of Machine Learning data and model development best practices and ethics frameworks; an understanding of user needs, data integrity, flight software validation and verification
  and mission critical technology an asset 

• Ability to work independently and oversee the work of junior and intermediate technical staff, adapting to changing needs across projects and programs 

• Ability to communicate with and present ideas and concepts to executive leadership, engineering
  management, and technical teams 

• Bonus points for experience working with satellite earth observation or planetary rover imagery; familiarity with ESA, NASA, and/or CSA technology development phases and standards; familiarity with government procurement processes and RFPs. 

Special Comments 

Security: Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance in Canada at the reliability status level (and potentially at the higher levels), and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP). 

Due to the security clearance required for Mission Control's facilities, only Canadian Citizen's and Permanent Residents are eligible at this time.  

Location 

Mission Control is located in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Some travel may be required at certain times for this role, always following the Health and Safety Guidance of the Government of Canada. 

What’s In It For You? 

• Be on the forefront of space exploration and the emerging commercial space industry. 

• Work to solve problems with a team of intelligent, fun people! 

• Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package including vacation pay, wellness plan (health, vision, dental) and unlimited unpaid time off. 

• Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

• Participation in Employee Stock Option Plan. 

• Flexible working hours. 

• Work in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It is extremely important to us that all employees feel safe and supported at work, and feel able to bring their whole selves to work. 

• Be part of a family-friendly company, where we understand the needs of working parents with young children (because many of us are too!). 

• Bi-weekly coffee chats for connecting with colleagues socially, and for mentorship by senior staff. 

How To Apply 

Please apply directly through this posting, or send your application by email to [email protected]. Application materials include: 

• Cover letter and resume as a single PDF (required) 

• Portfolio material, references, or other indications of exceptional past work (optional) 

During the hiring process we may ask to see examples of previous work or ask for a small project. 

As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we accept and encourage anonymized resumes. 

We will accept applications until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.