Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Sr Principal Systems Engineer (Integration)

This role focuses on integrating complex command and control, battle management, and communications capabilities within a mission-critical missile defense program. You will work in an advanced development and test lab environment to integrate, configure, and troubleshoot systems that support layered missile defense operations across global and regional missions. The position plays a key part in enabling senior defense leaders and combatant commanders to plan, monitor, and control ballistic missile defense operations, while also supporting ground and flight tests that verify current and future capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Integrate JEMINI Lab test suites into the development lab environment to support ongoing system development and validation.
• Assist software development personnel by investigating, diagnosing, and resolving integration, test, and operational issues.
• Develop and configure environments to support testing and prototyping of evolving systems and capabilities.
• Create and modify scripts to analyze input, internal, and output message data to ensure accurate system behavior and performance.
• Troubleshoot issues in both test and prototype environments, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop detailed troubleshooting procedures and work-around documents to support repeatable and efficient problem resolution.
• Review system specifications, development artifacts, test plans, and network documentation, providing technical feedback and representing the Integration team.
• Automate scripts to configure and maintain remote hosts, improving efficiency and consistency across the environment.
• Integrate system components within a test environment, ensuring proper interaction among sensors, weapon systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Apply knowledge of virtualized environments, security design, and implementation to support secure and resilient system integration.
• Leverage automation tools such as Ansible to streamline configuration management, deployment, and testing activities.
• Collaborate within Agile and DevOps frameworks, using automated test tools, containerization technologies, and modern development practices to enhance system reliability and delivery speed.
• Support ground and flight tests by preparing integration environments, validating configurations, and monitoring system performance.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure networked sensors and weapon systems are properly integrated, synchronized, and tested.
• Document integration activities, configurations, and test results to support traceability, reproducibility, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field such as Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline from an accredited university, with 8 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM-related field with 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in a related discipline with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Current, active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (for example, Security+, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, CISA, GSE, SCNA, or similar) at the time of application, with a commitment to maintain this certification throughout the contract.
• Current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance and be read on to SCI.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time for business needs.
• Extensive proficiency in Linux system administration and scripting, including Bash and Python.
• High-level understanding of automation concepts and their practical implementation in complex environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues across software, systems, and infrastructure components.
• Working knowledge of virtualized environments and software testing practices.
• Experience integrating system components within a test environment, including configuration, validation, and verification.
• Familiarity with virtualized systems, security design, and security implementation in mission-critical environments.
• Proven experience with Ansible or other automation tools for configuration management and deployment.
• Previous experience as a software tester or integrator, supporting integration and verification activities.
• Hands-on experience with Department of Defense integration processes, Agile and DevOps methodologies, and automated test tools.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
• Experience working with databases or as a database administrator.
• Understanding of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) concepts and practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering is highly preferred.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional – Model Builder Fundamental (OCSMP) certification is a plus.
• Current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance with the ability to be read on to SCI at the time of application is highly preferred.
• Experience developing and maintaining Ansible scripts for automation and configuration management.
• Knowledge of containerized virtual environments and their application in integration and test labs.
• Experience with Windows Server administration and PowerShell scripting.
• Experience setting up, configuring, and maintaining databases in support of integration and test activities.
• Additional scripting experience beyond Bash and Python is considered a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to represent the Integration team in cross-functional reviews and discussions.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment that emphasizes innovation and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position is based on site in a development and integration lab environment in Colorado Springs, CO. You will work directly with advanced command and control, battle management, and communications systems that support layered missile defense capabilities. The role involves hands-on work with Linux-based systems, virtualized environments, automation tools such as Ansible, containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, and database systems. You will operate within Agile and DevOps frameworks, using automated test tools and modern integration practices. The work schedule offers flexibility, with options such as a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The culture emphasizes intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and building systems that have a lasting impact on national security and future technological advancements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $129000.00 - $160000.00/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 Colorado Springs, CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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.

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