MDA Space Ramps Up International Hiring Amid Defense Sector Boom
Canada's premier space technology firm, MDA Space Ltd., is significantly enhancing its efforts to attract elite engineering professionals from across the globe. This strategic push comes as the company prepares for substantial growth fueled by increasing defense sector demands and expanding satellite production capabilities.
Tax Incentives and Facility Expansion
Based in Brampton, Ontario, MDA Space is actively collaborating with the Quebec government to streamline tax requirements for new international hires. The company is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art facility in Montreal that will dramatically increase its satellite manufacturing capacity. This new plant will enable production of up to 10 satellites weekly, a remarkable increase from just one per week in the previous year.
CEO Advocates for Competitive Immigration Policies
Chief Executive Officer Mike Greenley emphasized Canada's potential as an attractive destination for space engineers during a recent interview in Toronto. "If people were looking to go into the United States to work in space, and that was now not going to work out for them, Canada's a great place to back off into because we have a very expanding space program and it's still a North American base," Greenley stated, referencing current U.S. immigration policies.
The CEO specifically called for policy measures to facilitate recruitment, suggesting a reduced income tax rate for new employees during their first five years in Canada. "Give us the tools to bring the best talent into Canada, and help us have corporate tools to attract and retain head offices in the country," Greenley urged policymakers.
Business Expansion and Hiring Challenges
While MDA Space remains famous for its Canadarm robotic system used on the International Space Station, satellites represent the company's largest revenue stream. The firm is expanding production of communication and observation satellites for clients including Globalstar Inc. and various defense departments.
Between 2022 and 2024, MDA Space hired more than 2,000 employees. Greenley identified the recruitment of engineers with over 15 years of space-mission experience as the company's most significant hiring challenge. "For those roles, we get most success from Europe because the market's so strong in the United States," he explained.
Strategic Growth and International Opportunities
MDA Space continues to explore acquisitions in two key areas: technology firms that can integrate into its supply chain and companies that would enable geographic expansion. Establishing subsidiaries in the United States or Europe would help MDA qualify as a government contractor in those jurisdictions. Greenley also mentioned the possibility of dual-listing the company's stock in both U.S. and Canadian markets.
The most immediate growth opportunity appears to be in Europe, where governments are rapidly increasing defense budgets in response to geopolitical pressures. "Right now I say the United States is an opportunity, Europe is a pull," Greenley observed, noting heightened interest from European countries and companies in MDA's products. The company benefits from governments seeking military-related technology and secure communications systems from allied nations.
This comprehensive talent acquisition strategy positions MDA Space to capitalize on the expanding global demand for space technology and defense capabilities, while strengthening Canada's position in the international space industry.
