From Waterloo co-op to MDA Space: three BASc '23 graduates building careers in Canadian space robotics
Three Systems Design Engineering graduates (BASc '23) from the University of Waterloo—Mary McPhee, Emily Pittman and Elodie Xie—turned co-op placements into positions at MDA Space. They now support Canadarm2 operations on the ISS and contributed to Canadarm3 work, demonstrating how Waterloo’s hands-on co-op program connects students to Canada’s space robotics industry.
Trained in Waterloo’s Systems Design Engineering program, McPhee, Pittman and Xie accumulated varied co-op experiences across robotics, software and systems engineering. Xie began as a control systems intern supporting Canadarm2, returned for a second co-op on the newly launched Canadarm3 program and later moved into a full‑time engineering role. McPhee and Pittman (BASc '23) are members of MDA Space’s Mission Operations team, working on in‑orbit robotic operations for Canadarm2 aboard the ISS. The profile highlights practical learning, employer ties and alumni networking that help convert co-op terms into careers in Canadian space technology.