Business Operations manager-AI program manager

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 5,500 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.

We are looking for an AI Program Manager to join our satellite systems team at our Montreal office.

As the leading global independent commercial supplier of antennas, payloads, and electronics for communication and radar satellites, our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions in the past 60 years. With an extensive heritage in a wide range of solutions delivered to customers globally, our Satellite Systems team continues to grow and evolve on the ground and in the stars.

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.

About The Role

We are seeking an AI Program Manager to partner with local business departments and enable the responsible adoption of AI across the business unit. This role serves as the operational and enablement lead for the AI function by translating strategy into execution, coordinating delivery, and supporting secure, effective, and value-driven AI adoption.

The AI Program Manager will operate at the intersection of AI delivery, stakeholder enablement, policy stewardship, and day-to-day execution to ensure AI initiatives are well governed, well monitored, clearly catalogued, and aligned with organizational standards and values.

Key Responsibilities

AI Project Management

Lead planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of core enterprise AI initiatives
Develop, prioritize, and coordinate the AI roadmap for the business unit
Coordinate with the internal AI development team on product evaluation, benchmarking, dataset creation, and the development or adaptation of AI tools and workflows while ensuring compliance with corporate policies
Translate strategic AI direction into actionable plans and day‑to‑day execution
Monitor deployed AI tools, identify issues, and coordinate timely resolution with the appropriate teams

Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement

Act as a primary operational point of contact for business teams engaging with AI capabilities
Manage intake, triage, and response for day‑to‑day AI and ChatMDA inquiries from across the site
Support change management and adoption efforts to help teams use AI effectively and appropriately

Responsible AI & Data Security Stewardship

Uphold, promote, and help operationalize the organization’s AI policies, standards, and governance principles
Champion responsible AI practices, including cyber and data security, privacy, and appropriate use of AI tools

Knowledge Management & Communications

Develop, maintain, and curate AI knowledge assets, including FAQs, internal web pages, approved AI tools lists, and guidance materials
Ensure AI documentation is clear, accurate, current, and aligned with policy and security expectations
Share lessons learned and practical knowledge with other business areas

Use‑Case Discovery & Continuous Improvement

Proactively identify and explore new AI and automation use cases within the business area
Collaborate with stakeholders to assess feasibility, value, and readiness of potential AI applications
Support business area experimentation, pilots, dataset generation, and iterative improvement of AI solutions

Required Experience & Qualifications

5+ years of experience in program management, operations, product enablement, or technology delivery roles
Experience working with AI, data, analytics, or digital transformation initiatives
Deep understanding of GenAI, including high-impact use cases for enterprises, safety and security considerations, prompt engineering techniques, shortcomings, failure modes and mitigation strategies, and adoption and quality metrics
Demonstrated ability to coordinate teams, manage priorities, and deliver across multiple parallel initiatives
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and training content
Comfortable operating in environments with ambiguity, rapid change, and evolving technology
Bilingual French English (Contact with customers outside Quebec and head office managers in Ontario).

Preferred Experience

Experience supporting enterprise AI platforms (e.g., copilots, chatbots, internal AI assistants)
Familiarity with Agile or iterative delivery models
Experience partnering with learning & development, cybersecurity, legal, and/or compliance teams
Strong curiosity about responsible AI and practical, business‑driven AI use cases

What Success Looks Like

AI initiatives move forward smoothly with clear coordination and strong stakeholder alignment
AI becomes a meaningful driver of the operating model by improving decision-making, productivity, and business value
AI policie