Senior Member of Technical Staff, Systems, MDA Space
Andrew MacMillan is a Senior Member of Technical Staff in Systems at MDA Space, where he leads mission-critical spacecraft operations engineering across Earth observation and next-generation constellation programs. Recognized by colleagues and customers for his technical judgment and composure under pressure, Andrew has built a reputation as a reliable leader in spacecraft operations, trusted with some of MDA Space’s most complex and high-stakes missions. His work spans flight procedure development, mission rehearsals, commissioning, and operations planning, with direct impact on missions supporting national and scientific priorities.
Andrew holds a B.Eng. in Aerospace Engineering (Space Systems Design) with High Distinction from Carleton University and an M.Sc. in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, where he received the Course Director’s Prize. He is a licensed Professional Engineer. Early in his career at MDA Space, he joined the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) operations development team, where he quickly distinguished himself through meticulous attention to detail and an ability to anticipate operational risk.
After only three years of professional experience, Andrew was appointed Deputy Flight Director for RCM, a role that placed him at the center of launch and early orbit operations. He engineered and executed verifications supporting Canadian Space Agency acceptance of mission simulators and control subsystems, planned and directed propulsion commissioning, and developed flight procedures for the deployment of synthetic aperture radar panels, solar arrays, and propulsion systems. During Launch and Early Orbit Phase, he served alongside the Flight Director, helping guide flawless execution of the most complex deployment sequences and subsequent orbit acquisition for the three-satellite constellation.
That foundation carried forward into broader leadership roles. Andrew went on to support operations development for MDA’s CHORUS constellation mission, where endorsers note his effectiveness coordinating across client services, production, ground segment, and operations teams to ensure consistency in mission planning concepts. He also served as Lead Satellite Operations Engineer for the Arctic Observing Mission, where he conducted novel analyses of high-latitude orbits, developed custom orbit control tools, and co-authored the mission Concept of Operations. His ability to communicate uncommon technical challenges clearly helped stakeholders make timely decisions under tight schedules.
Beyond program execution, Andrew contributes to workforce development and professional service. He has served as a Professional Engineer Judge for the Canadian Engineering Competition, volunteers with the IEEE Young Professionals community at Dalhousie University, and regularly speaks with undergraduate students about careers in space systems engineering.
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