System Security Engineer

Job Title: System Security Engineer

Job Description

The Systems Security Engineer (SSE) will act as the lead systems security authority in support of a DoD acquisition program. This position involves close collaboration with the Program Management Office (PMO) to manage and integrate all aspects of systems security throughout the program lifecycle. The role is primarily focused on systems engineering, with responsibilities in cybersecurity across requirements definition, architecture and design, integration, fielding, and sustainment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an independent authority for security risk, challenging assumptions and identifying vulnerabilities.

• Ensure the program is appropriately postured across multiple security pillars, beyond just cybersecurity.

• Collaborate with engineering teams and vendors to provide clear, actionable insights into program risk and mitigation strategies.

• Develop, own, and execute a Program Protection Plan (PPP).

• Perform risk analysis and recommend security controls at the program level.

• Work directly with a Program Management Office (PMO) or Government customer.

Essential Skills

• System security and risk management framework expertise.

• Experience with Systems Security Engineering supporting DoD acquisition programs.

• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes across the full lifecycle.

• Knowledge of cybersecurity within mission systems, including RMF and system-level cyber survivability.

• Experience assessing and mitigating supply chain risk.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or cybersecurity.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience, with at least 5 years focused on cybersecurity.

• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition lifecycles.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to tactfully manage competing program demands.

• CISSP-ISSEP certification is a plus.

• Experience with vehicle, mission systems, or C5ISR platforms is beneficial.

• Familiarity with AR 70-77 (Technology and Program Protection) is desirable.

• Experience in hardware assurance and software assurance is advantageous.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering is a plus.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $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 fully onsite position in Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.