Systems Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced space, defense, and mission-critical systems. This role focuses heavily on the left side of the Systems Engineering V-model, including requirements development, architecture definition, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and early lifecycle technical planning activities. The ideal candidate will have experience working across complex systems and systems-of-systems environments, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop, document, and deliver innovative solutions that support national security and space-related missions. This position offers the opportunity to influence system architectures from concept through design, lead technical engagements with customers and partners, and contribute to next-generation capabilities supporting critical government programs.

• Lead systems engineering efforts for complex systems and systems-of-systems.
• Drive activities on the left side of the V-model, including concept development, requirements analysis, decomposition, allocation, and architecture definition.
• Develop and manage system-level technical baselines.
• Perform engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Ensure solutions align with end-user mission objectives and operational needs.
• Develop and maintain system models using MBSE methodologies and tools.
• Support digital engineering initiatives and model-driven system development.
• Maintain traceability between requirements, system architecture, interfaces, and verification activities.
• Author, manage, validate, and maintain system requirements.
• Establish requirements traceability across all levels of the system architecture.
• Support verification planning and validation strategy development.
• Ensure technical solutions satisfy customer and program requirements.
• Lead technical execution across engineering teams.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
• Promote engineering rigor, repeatable processes, thorough documentation, and quality standards.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and technical decision-making.
• Serve as a primary technical interface with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners.
• Support technical discussions, design reviews, and program execution activities.
• Build trusted relationships through transparent communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Lead preparation and presentation of major technical milestone reviews, including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Capability Development Documents (CDDs), technical drawings, configuration-controlled engineering artifacts, and System Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Support rigorous configuration management processes throughout the program lifecycle.
• Identify emerging technologies and engineering approaches.
• Support internal research and development efforts.
• Contribute technical concepts, prototypes, and capability enhancements supporting future programs.

• Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience supporting complex technical programs.
• Strong experience working on the left side of the Systems Engineering V-model.
• Hands-on experience with digital engineering methodologies.
• Experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Enterprise Architect, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing and managing system requirements, requirements decomposition, requirements allocation, and traceability.
• Experience supporting system architecture development and technical baseline management.
• Experience interacting directly with customers and external stakeholders.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.

• Master's Degree in Systems Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience supporting space, satellite, communications, national security, intelligence, or defense programs.
• Familiarity with DoDAF architecture frameworks.
• Experience creating operational views (OVs), system views (SVs), and architecture products.
• Satellite Communications (SATCOM) experience.
• Experience with Agile engineering or Agile development environments.
• Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RMA) analysis experience.
• Experience supporting system integration, deployment, installation, and operational fielding.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

This role is a hybrid role with 3 days a week being onsite in Tampa. The organization is highly engineering-focused, allowing employees to engage in meaningful technical work while collaborating with experienced architects, systems engineers, software engineers, and mission experts. Engineers are encouraged to pursue new ideas and emerging technologies while participating in internal research and development initiatives that directly influence future customer programs. The environment offers exposure to advanced space technologies, space systems, satellite communications, command and control systems, mission planning systems, digital engineering environments, and advanced software and signal processing technologies. Benefits often include industry-leading retirement contributions, strong healthcare offerings, professional development support, educational assistance, conference and training opportunities, and hybrid work flexibility.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $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)

This is a hybrid position in Tampa,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.