Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer - Digital Ground Station

Job Description

This role supports the full systems engineering life cycle for a US Navy state-of-the-art digital ground station focused on in-fill and ex-fill communications. You will design, implement, and maintain system requirements that directly support critical customer missions. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will ensure seamless integration of hardware, software, and network components to deliver highly reliable and high-performing systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on a new project early in its architecture, influence processes, and grow into or serve as a Lead Systems Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement complex systems architectures that meet defined technical requirements.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather system requirements and translate them into clear, actionable technical specifications.

• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware, software, and network components to support system implementation and performance objectives.

• Support the installation and configuration of system hardware, operating systems, and software applications.

• Perform system integration activities, including the development and execution of test plans, to validate end-to-end functionality.

• Conduct system testing and troubleshooting to ensure smooth, efficient, and reliable system performance.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including configuration details, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

• Work closely with software developers, network engineers, and digital signal processing (DSP) developers to ensure cohesive system integration across all components.

• Contribute to the full Systems Engineering V life cycle, including requirements development, CONOPS, design reviews (CDR, PDR), trade studies, traceability, and interface control documents (ICDs).

• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams, helping diagnose and resolve system-related issues.

• Participate in the development and refinement of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts using SysML or similar tools.

• Support continuous improvement of systems engineering processes and best practices for the program.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.

• 5+ years of experience working across the full Systems Engineering V life cycle.

• Proven experience designing and implementing systems architectures and associated documentation, including CONOPS, CDR, PDR, trade studies, traceability, and interface control documents (ICDs).

• Hands-on experience with hardware, operating systems, network protocols, and software applications in complex systems environments.

• Demonstrated experience with system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of multi-component systems.

• Familiarity with systems engineering activities such as requirements development, concept of operations (CONOPS), and test plan creation.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, network engineers, and DSP developers.

• Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with satellite or radio frequency (RF) communication systems.

• Experience in digital signal processing (DSP) or signal processing for communication systems.

• Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML.

• Experience with full life cycle systems engineering for defense or mission-critical systems.

• Ability to contribute to or establish systems engineering processes and standards for a new or growing program.

• Interest in taking on a lead role or growing into a Lead Systems Engineer position.

Work Environment

This position follows a hybrid work model based in Warrenton, VA. The role typically requires two days per week onsite, with the expectation of being onsite full-time during the first one to two months for training and onboarding. The team operates out of a modern open office space in the Vint Hill technology park, an area with nearby amenities such as a brewery, winery, and fitness facilities. The project uses open-source, modern technologies in support of a defense program and is at an early stage in its architecture, providing a dynamic and collaborative environment. The broader program team consists of approximately 25-30 people, including subcontractors, with a core group of about a dozen professionals. The culture emphasizes a fun, mission-connected atmosphere that feels similar to a commercial project, with work conducted on laptops in an open environment where personal devices are permitted. The organization structures compensation to align closely with the actual hours worked, and the work is closely tied to meaningful mission outcomes, offering both technical challenge and a strong sense of purpose.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/hr.

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 Warrenton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.