Systems Engineer

Job Title: System Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting design engineering, manufacturing, and customer technical services by planning, executing, and analyzing tests that verify and validate component and system functionality and reliability. The engineer leads qualification and failure analysis activities for sensor components, subassemblies, and complete sensors, while driving improvements in product performance, quality, and manufacturability. The position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, from new product introduction through production support and field verification, within a highly collaborative, technically driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Support Design Engineering in the design, development, and execution of tests to prove out component and system functionality and reliability.

• Plan and execute Design Verification and Validation activities to qualify new products and product changes, address technical risks, and support cross-functional investigation and resolution efforts.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing to qualify improvements to production materials and methods by designing and executing appropriate test activities.

• Support Customer Technical Services by planning and participating in verification and validation tests in the field.

• Lead the qualification, testing, and failure analysis of sensor components, subassemblies, and complete sensors used in security and measurement applications.

• Perform hands-on testing and analysis to troubleshoot process and manufacturing issues related to non-conforming production materials.

• Propose detailed action plans to improve processes and components, with the goal of increasing manufacturing efficiency, quality, yield, cost-effectiveness, and product performance.

• Prepare clear and thorough technical documentation, including test and analysis plans, test result reports, product change proposals, and change verification test reports.

• Evaluate product and project risks using formal risk assessment tools such as FMEA and incorporate findings into verification and validation strategies.

• Establish and maintain a project roadmap within the assigned area of responsibility, track and report progress, and escalate issues promptly when needed.

• Use formal project management tools and methodologies to organize work, coordinate activities, and support the achievement of project goals.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization and influence outcomes without formal authority.

• Communicate project needs, challenges, decisions, and proposed solutions clearly and at the appropriate level of technical detail for the audience.

• Recognize problems early, gather relevant facts, develop and propose solutions, seek input from others, and document outcomes and lessons learned.

• Balance urgent issues with long-term goals while maintaining a high standard of quality and a strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned work.

Essential Skills

• Experience in electrical or electronics engineering sufficient to support design activities and testing of electronic components and systems.

• Hands-on experience with electronic validation and testing of components, subassemblies, and complete systems.

• Experience supporting design engineering, manufacturing, and customer technical services in a product development or production environment.

• Supply chain experience related to production materials, components, or manufacturing processes.

• Strong documentation skills, including the ability to create clear test plans, test reports, product change proposals, and verification reports.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style and technical depth to different audiences.

• Understanding of the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through verification, production, and field support.

• Experience evaluating product and project risks using risk assessment tools such as FMEA.

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, including early problem recognition, fact gathering, solution development, and effective follow-through.

• Organizational skills to establish project roadmaps, maintain focus, track progress, and report status accurately.

• Ability to maintain a high standard of quality under schedule pressure and competing priorities.

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships across functions and levels and influence without formal authority.

• Ability to clearly explain reasoning behind technical opinions, ask and answer questions tactfully, and listen effectively to input from others.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Python programming experience, particularly for test automation, data analysis, or scripting (Python experience is a plus).

• Experience working with sensors, quality control tools, customer-facing measurement tools, or high-speed industrial in-line sensors.

• Familiarity with formal project management tools and methodologies, with an interest in developing leadership skills.

• Demonstrated sense of ownership and accountability for work products and overall organizational success.

• Ability to learn from issues and implement preventative measures and continuous improvements.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role based at a facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with work performed on site five days per week. The environment focuses on the development and testing of advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions, including security features and associated sensors for product and document security applications. The portfolio of technologies includes quality control tools, customer-facing measurement tools, and high-speed sensors used in industrial in-line environments. The role involves close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, and customer technical services teams, as well as hands-on work in laboratory and production settings. Standard business hours are expected, with occasional flexibility as needed to support testing schedules, field verification activities, and project deadlines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Springfield, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

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.

Health & Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Retirement: 401(k) plan with company contributions. Time Off: Generous holiday policy often including a full office closure from Christmas to New Year's, with roughly three weeks of standard PTO reported. Work Environment: Focus on collaboration, innovation, and professional growth opportunities. International Perks: Depending on location, benefits can include flexible schedules and life insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Springfield,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.