Model Based Systems Engineer

Job Title: Model-Based Systems Engineer / Embedded Software Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on leading model-based systems engineering efforts and supporting embedded software development for advanced, multi-function radar systems. You will apply rigorous Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML and industry-standard tools, collaborate closely with domain experts and software teams, and contribute to real-time digital signal processing solutions that advance national defense capabilities. The position offers the opportunity to work on first-of-a-kind systems across the full solution lifecycle, from conceptualization and architecture through development, deployment, and operation in relevant environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development programs through the full Systems Engineering process using Model-Based Systems Engineering approaches that align with Department of Defense Digital Engineering goals.

• Implement rigorous MBSE methodologies using SysML in tools such as MagicDraw, building models from scratch and maintaining high-quality system representations.

• Work closely with domain experts and software development teams to translate mission needs into system designs and digital engineering solutions.

• Establish and maintain traceability between MBSE model content and domain-specific analysis tools and simulations to ensure coherent, testable designs.

• Support the design, development, and implementation of real-time processing solutions in software for advanced multi-function radar systems.

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams of researchers and engineers to develop innovative solutions that explore and demonstrate radar and EW/RF convergence.

• Design and implement digital signal processing across the complete signal processing chain for radar applications in various operational environments, under the guidance of leadership.

• Participate in design, development, integration, and test activities for software-intensive, open-architecture systems.

• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders, providing clear technical documentation and status updates.

• Work in an agile development environment, contributing to iterative planning, implementation, testing, and refinement of system capabilities.

Essential Skills

• Experience leading or contributing to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) efforts using SysML.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with SysML models in MagicDraw or similar modeling tools.

• Ability to build systems engineering models from scratch and maintain them throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proficiency in C, C++, or Python for implementing real-time processing and digital signal processing solutions.

• Experience working with software-intensive systems and open architectures.

• Background in systems engineering concepts, including requirements analysis, architecture development, and traceability to analysis and simulation tools.

• Experience working in agile software development environments.

• Strong collaboration skills for working with multi-disciplinary teams, including domain experts and software engineers.

• Self-motivated and detail-oriented work style with the ability to manage tasks independently.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical discussions and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Domain expertise in one or more areas such as radar, electronic warfare, acoustics, sensor resource management, sea/air/space systems, large-scale platform test systems, cyber-physical systems, or open system architectures (e.g., UCI, OMS, COARPS).

• Familiarity with government open architectures such as Open Mission Systems.

• Experience with the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM).

• Experience working with defense-related systems, including unmanned systems (UAS), radar, cyber, or other mission-focused technologies.

• Understanding of digital engineering principles and their application to national defense capabilities.

• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearances as required for work on defense programs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a hybrid work environment that combines office-based collaboration with flexible remote work options, supporting a balanced work-life arrangement. You will work in a professional office setting within a System Development Division focused on delivering national defense capabilities through advanced technology systems. The division considers the entire solution lifecycle—from conceptualization and architecture through development and deployment—while leveraging novel technologies to deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient products that operate in realistic, operationally relevant environments and timeframes. The culture emphasizes an employee-first approach, flexibility, and enabling people to get their work done in the environment that suits them, while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams on cutting-edge radar, electronic warfare, and RF convergence technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Woburn, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Woburn,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.