Systems Engineer

Job Title: Avionics Systems Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, integrating, and validating avionics systems in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment. You will work closely with systems, software, integration, and test engineers to define requirements, design solutions, and execute rigorous verification and validation activities for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) at the system level. The position offers the opportunity to contribute across the full development lifecycle of advanced aerospace systems while gaining exposure to regulatory standards and certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of systems, software, integration, and test engineers to develop and deliver avionics system solutions.

• Support the development, analysis, and refinement of system requirements and interfaces to ensure they are complete, consistent, and testable.

• Complete assignments related to system design and requirements development activities, ensuring traceability throughout the lifecycle.

• Plan and perform on-site requirements-based testing, robustness testing, and ad-hoc testing in a lab environment, including supporting flexible schedules during formal test phases.

• Support requirements development and requirements-based testing execution, including test script development and execution of scenario-based, robustness, and unintended function or behavior testing in a lab environment.

• Maximize utilization of test assets by adapting test execution schedules and priorities based on lab availability and program needs.

• Troubleshoot issues identified during development and test cycles, perform root cause analysis, and document findings clearly and accurately.

• Prepare and deliver internal status updates on testing progress, issues, and resolutions, and report technical findings directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as needed.

• Develop, maintain, and execute automated and manual test scripts to verify that implementations satisfy system requirements.

• Contribute to verification planning and test development, ensuring coverage of all system-level requirements and interfaces.

• Participate in technical reviews of requirements, design artifacts, and test procedures, and incorporate feedback into your own work products.

• Assist with system integration activities in lab and development environments, including configuration, setup, and integration of avionics hardware and software.

• Support troubleshooting and issue resolution during system integration, working with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve defects.

• Apply model-based engineering concepts, where applicable, to support design, analysis, and verification activities.

• Document test procedures, results, and anomalies in accordance with program and regulatory expectations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) at the system level.

• Strong understanding of avionics systems, aircraft systems, and subsystems and how they interact at the system level.

• Exposure to requirements development, verification, and testing processes in an engineering environment.

• Exposure to model-based engineering concepts, such as using tools like MATLAB/Simulink or Cameo, for systems design and analysis.

• Experience with one or more engineering tools or languages, including Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo, or similar tools.

• Ability to develop and execute test scripts for requirements-based and scenario-based testing.

• Capability to perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis in lab and development environments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in requirements and test documentation.

• Effective communication skills to provide clear internal status updates and report findings to external stakeholders such as OEMs.

• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional, team-based technical projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience with full development cycles for avionics systems, including exposure to certification processes.

• Strong understanding of lifecycle activities and deliverables for avionics programs, from requirements definition through verification and certification.

• Experience working within regulatory environments, including standards such as DO-254, DO-160, DO-178B/C, DO-297, ARP4754A, and related FAA, TCCA, or EASA regulations.

• Coursework or project experience related to systems engineering, embedded systems, software development, aerospace, or controls.

• Experience participating in team-based technical projects, including design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, and test execution.

• Familiarity with lifecycle documentation and configuration management practices used in regulated aerospace environments.

Work Environment

This is an office-based role that operates primarily in a lab and development environment supporting avionics systems engineering activities. You will work with cross-functional engineering teams and use tools such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo, and other engineering and test platforms. The role involves on-site execution of requirements-based and robustness testing, which may require schedule flexibility during formal test phases to maximize use of lab assets and equipment. The environment is structured, technical, and collaborative, with a focus on rigorous verification, documentation, and adherence to aerospace standards and lifecycle processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $51.98 - $53.60/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 fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.