Model Based Systems Engineer

Job Title: Model Based Systems EngineerJob Description

The Model Based Systems Engineer develops, maintains, and presents complex system models in a Government Teamwork Cloud environment, supporting critical system architecture, requirements management, integration, and verification activities. In this role, you collaborate closely with customer stakeholders and internal engineering teams to build and sustain digital system models for a Hard Kill Active Protection System designed to protect U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicles from anti-armor threats. You contribute to cutting-edge digital engineering and MBSE initiatives while helping to establish and mature program modeling processes on a high-visibility defense program with long-term growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SysML-based system models within a Government Teamwork Cloud environment.

• Decompose system requirements into functional, logical, and physical architectures that support system performance and mission objectives.

• Establish and maintain end-to-end requirements traceability using DOORS and associated MBSE tools.

• Support system architecture development and ensure compliance with Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) principles.

• Create and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to define and manage system and subsystem interfaces.

• Develop System Integration Plans and Verification Plans that guide integration, test, and validation activities.

• Support integration testing and hardware-in-the-loop activities for Active Protection System and fire control capabilities.

• Model requirements compliance and maintain accurate requirements traceability throughout the program lifecycle.

• Present system model updates and technical findings to customer stakeholders and program leadership during milestone and program reviews.

• Support system safety, compliance, and audit activities by providing accurate modeling artifacts and documentation.

• Collaborate closely with software, cybersecurity, test, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive system design and implementation.

• Contribute to the establishment and maturation of program modeling processes and digital engineering best practices.

• Engage directly with Government customers and stakeholders to clarify requirements, communicate design decisions, and address technical issues.

• Support defense acquisition program activities by providing MBSE products, analyses, and technical input.

• Participate in Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction (TMRR) efforts, focusing on model-based approaches to risk identification and mitigation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

• 10+ years of Systems Engineering experience within Defense or Aerospace programs.

• 3+ years of hands-on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience.

• Expert understanding of requirements management and traceability, including experience with DOORS.

• Proficiency in SysML and experience developing SysML-based system models.

• Cameo Systems Modeler or MagicDraw experience on a defense program, including creating system models from scratch and presenting them during program reviews.

• Demonstrated experience in systems modeling, requirements traceability, and modeling requirements compliance.

• Teamwork Cloud experience, preferably in a Government Teamwork Cloud environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical material to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively in a rapidly evolving, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing program needs.

• Experience supporting defense acquisition programs and working with Government stakeholders.

• Ability to obtain and maintain customer approval for access to sensitive program information, with an active Secret Clearance preferred.

• U.S. Citizenship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline is preferred.

• Experience with Active Protection Systems (APS), particularly Hard Kill APS for ground combat platforms.

• Fire Control Systems experience, including integration with sensors and effectors.

• Ground Combat Vehicle experience (such as Abrams, Bradley, or Stryker platforms).

• MOSA experience and familiarity with modular open systems design principles.

• Knowledge of Modular Active Protection Framework (MAF 2.2).

• Sensor-to-shooter integration experience, including end-to-end engagement chain modeling.

• Familiarity with Vehicle Protection Systems Base Kit (VBK).

• Experience working in a Government Teamwork Cloud environment.

• Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction (TMRR) experience on defense programs.

• Experience collaborating with subcontractors and international engineering teams on complex defense systems.

• Interest in contributing to long-term program growth and future task orders through 2028.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Sterling Heights, MI, working within a small, fast-paced engineering team supporting an Americanized Active Protection System program for U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicles. The environment is highly collaborative, with regular interaction among U.S. Government stakeholders, subcontractors, and international engineering teams. You will work extensively in a Government Teamwork Cloud environment using tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, SysML, and DOORS to support digital engineering and MBSE initiatives. The role may involve approximately 10-20% travel, including domestic trips and potential international travel, to support program reviews, integration activities, and stakeholder engagements. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, clear communication, and close teamwork in support of a high-visibility, mission-critical defense capability.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $72.12/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 Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.