Principal Systems Engineer

Job Title: Principal Systems EngineerJob Description

This Principal Systems Engineer role provides technical leadership for the design, development, integration, test, verification, and sustainment of advanced space systems and satellite technologies. The position plays a critical role in shaping system architecture, driving cross-functional engineering efforts, and leading the successful execution of complex aerospace and defense programs from concept development through mission deployment and operations. The ideal candidate combines deep systems engineering expertise with hands-on experience across electrical, mechanical, software, and spacecraft subsystems, and acts as a strategic thinker who leads multidisciplinary teams while staying closely engaged with technical details that drive mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, integration, verification, validation, and mission readiness activities.

• Develop and maintain system requirements, specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification matrices, and technical data packages.

• Establish system architectures and technical solutions for spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.

• Support the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, and deployment of satellite systems and related technologies.

• Lead system-level trade studies and technical assessments to optimize performance, reliability, cost, and schedule objectives.

• Oversee subsystem integration efforts across electrical power systems, communications, avionics, structures, propulsion, software, and payload technologies.

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers across multiple disciplines.

• Serve as the primary technical authority for system-level decisions, risk management, and engineering problem resolution.

• Drive and lead engineering reviews, including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and mission readiness assessments.

• Develop and execute integration, qualification, acceptance, and environmental test strategies for flight and ground hardware.

• Lead anomaly investigations, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to ensure mission reliability.

• Ensure traceability between requirements, verification activities, and mission performance objectives throughout the program lifecycle.

• Evaluate emerging technologies and lead research initiatives focused on next-generation spacecraft and mission capabilities.

• Support rapid prototyping, technology maturation, and the transition of innovative concepts into operational systems.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, customers, and mission partners to advance program objectives and resolve technical issues.

• Maintain accurate and complete engineering documentation throughout all phases of the program.

• Present technical information and program status to executive leadership, customers, partners, and technical review boards.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, satellite, or spacecraft programs.

• A minimum of 3 years of technical leadership, team leadership, or supervisory experience.

• Proven experience managing complete product lifecycles from concept development through deployment and sustainment.

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining system requirements, architecture products, verification plans, and technical baselines.

• Hands-on experience with systems engineering and requirements management tools such as DOORS, Cradle, or equivalent platforms.

• Experience authoring and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements specifications, and verification documentation.

• Experience planning and executing qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing for aerospace or space hardware.

• Understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power electronics, digital systems, RF communications, and PCB-based hardware development.

• Familiarity with configuration management, technical risk management, and engineering change processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong background in spacecraft systems engineering and satellite architecture.

• Knowledge of spacecraft electrical power systems, avionics, communications systems, and environmental considerations associated with spaceflight.

• Previous experience supporting small satellite, CubeSat, or constellation programs.

• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.

• Familiarity with mission operations, satellite communications, and ground segment architectures.

• Experience supporting government, defense, intelligence, or commercial space customers.

• An active or previously held U.S. security clearance.

• An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM field is preferred.

• Deep, hands-on experience with electronics systems and spaceflight hardware is highly desirable.

Work Environment

The role operates in a technically demanding aerospace and space systems engineering environment focused on spacecraft, satellites, and associated ground systems. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams using systems engineering and requirements management tools such as DOORS, Cradle, or comparable platforms, alongside configuration management and test management systems. The work involves participation in formal design and test reviews, coordination with mission operations and ground segment teams, and engagement with external stakeholders and customers. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on rigorous documentation, structured reviews, thorough testing of flight and ground hardware, and continuous communication across cross-functional teams to ensure mission success.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $79.00 - $93.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Merritt Island,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.