Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

The Systems Engineer will bridge the gap between complex subsystem designs and high-level product architecture for large-scale energy storage systems. This role focuses on defining technical requirements, system behavior, and integration strategies to ensure battery energy storage solutions operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The Systems Engineer will work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to solve challenging technical problems and support the mission of advancing clean energy technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage system-level requirements, functional specifications, and interface control documents for core battery system architecture.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and firmware engineering teams to ensure subsystem designs integrate seamlessly and meet performance targets.
• Lead system-level validation and integration testing, including the development of test plans that verify safety, reliability, and functionality under diverse operating conditions.
• Perform trade-off analyses to optimize system performance, cost, and manufacturability, and identify potential risks early in the development lifecycle.
• Conduct root cause analysis for complex system-level failures and work cross-functionally to implement effective engineering solutions.
• Decompose requirements and functions from system-level down to component-level and maintain clear traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Manage system architecture documentation and ensure that technical information remains accurate, consistent, and accessible to multidisciplinary teams.
• Support continuous improvement of systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices within the engineering organization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent).
• At least 3 years of professional experience in an engineering role related to systems, electrical, mechanical, or similar disciplines.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, system definition, and lifecycle development.
• Experience with multidisciplinary integration, preferably involving power electronics, battery systems, or large-scale electro-mechanical hardware.
• Proficiency with electrical battery systems and their integration into larger system architectures.
• Proficiency with technical modeling and documentation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, SysML, or similar tools for managing system architecture and performance data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for both specialized engineering domains and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams that include mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing disciplines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with battery energy storage systems in a product development or systems engineering capacity.
• Experience in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, or electronics related to energy storage or power systems.
• Experience conducting trade studies and risk assessments for complex engineering systems.
• Familiarity with large-scale electro-mechanical hardware development and validation processes.
• Ability to lead system-level test planning and execution for safety, reliability, and functional verification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to root cause analysis of system-level issues.
• Interest in and commitment to contributing to clean energy technologies and sustainable solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a contract role with the potential for extension or conversion based on performance and business needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Berkeley, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $110.00/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 Berkeley, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 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.