Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer - Payload Integration (Lunar Lander Programs)

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Job Description

This role focuses on end-to-end payload and systems integration for multiple lunar lander programs. You will work closely with the Payload Integration Lead to ensure that complex space flight payloads are properly integrated, thoroughly analyzed, and fully functional for mission success. The position requires a strong understanding of space flight equipment, particularly electrical and hardware components, and involves direct collaboration with customers and internal design teams to resolve technical challenges and meet mission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Payload Integration Lead to plan, execute, and document payload integration activities for lunar lander missions.

• Perform overall systems integration tasks, with a strong emphasis on payload integration across electrical, mechanical, RF, thermal, and communications subsystems.

• Work directly with customers to clarify payload requirements, address technical questions, and ensure alignment between mission objectives and payload capabilities.

• Coordinate with internal design teams to interpret requirements, review designs, and ensure that payload interfaces and systems are correctly implemented.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to design requirements, component selection, system interfaces, and overall payload performance to ensure correct operation in a space flight environment.

• Create, review, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for payloads and associated systems, ensuring accurate definition of interfaces and configuration.

• Analyze complex technical problems across multiple subsystems, break them down into actionable tasks, and drive issues to closure within project timelines.

• Support verification and validation activities for payload hardware and systems, ensuring they meet functional, performance, and interface requirements.

• Provide technical guidance on space flight electrical and hardware components, including their integration, operation, and constraints.

• Communicate progress, risks, and technical decisions clearly to stakeholders, including customers, engineering teams, and leadership.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of integration processes, documentation standards, and systems engineering practices.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in payload integration and systems engineering, preferably in space flight or aerospace applications.

• 5+ years of systems integration experience with a strong focus on payload components and multi-disciplinary systems.

• Hands-on payload hardware experience, including integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Strong electrical and hardware components specifically related to space flight equipment.

• Experience creating and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for payloads and systems.

• Systems engineering experience, including requirements understanding, interface definition, and cross-system coordination.

• Exposure to aerospace subsystems such as RF, thermal, and communications, with the ability to understand and integrate across these areas.

• Proven ability to break down complex technical problems, identify root causes, and drive solutions to completion.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or computer engineering).

• Effective communication skills for working with both customers and internal design teams.

• Ability to work onsite full-time and reside in a HUBZone, as defined by the Small Business Administration HUBZone map.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Payload integration experience in either manned or unmanned space systems.

• Experience working on government or aerospace payload programs, including lunar or other space missions.

• Familiarity with multiple payload types and systems, with the ability to answer questions across a variety of payloads and subsystems.

• Interest in growing into a leadership role such as Payload Manager or Mission Manager, overseeing an entire payload or mission.

• Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort working in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary engineering teams and with external stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $62.00/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 Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.