Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on end-to-end systems engineering and verification for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles. The Systems Engineer designs and executes comprehensive test campaigns for both electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware, ensuring that complex systems perform reliably in the demanding conditions of launch and on-orbit operation. This position plays a key role in scaling from prototype and research and development efforts to full-scale production programs in the rapidly evolving small satellite sector.
Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering activities for spaceflight hardware, including satellites, payloads, and launch vehicle components.
• Plan, design, and implement system-level verification strategies to ensure that all hardware and subsystems meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware across the full development lifecycle.
• Run and oversee environmental testing campaigns, including shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing, to validate performance in launch and on-orbit environments.
• Coordinate and integrate test engineering activities with hardware, systems, and satellite engineering teams to ensure cohesive system performance.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and resolution of issues identified during system integration and test.
• Document test results, generate clear test reports, and provide data-driven recommendations to engineering and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition designs from prototyping and R&D into scalable, full-production hardware builds.
• Ensure all test activities comply with applicable standards, internal processes, and customer requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering and test processes to enhance quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 12+ years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on end-to-end verification of complex systems.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles.
• Hands-on experience in test engineering for spaceflight hardware, covering both electrical and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for spaceflight hardware.
• Practical experience running environmental tests such as shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing.
• Strong background in hardware systems engineering for satellites and other spaceflight platforms.
• Ability to work across disciplines to integrate and verify complex hardware and system architectures.
• Active or obtainable security clearance at the Secret level (minimum).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting unclassified payload programs, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) payloads.
• background in transitioning from prototype and R&D efforts to full-scale production hardware builds.
• Familiarity with the small satellite sector and miniaturized sensor systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills in a hardware-focused environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization working on multiple concurrent programs.

Work Environment
The role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on the design, development, build, and deployment of ground-based and space-based instrumentation, particularly small satellite and spaceflight hardware. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and test personnel, frequently engaging with environmental test facilities and specialized equipment for shock, thermal vacuum, and vibration testing. The organization operates in the dynamic "New Space" sector, supporting programs that are scaling from prototype and R&D efforts to full-scale production builds. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and hands-on work with flight hardware and test systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Louisville, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/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 Louisville,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.