Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer – Hypersonic Test FacilitiesThe Lead Systems Engineer will provide technical leadership for the design, development, and optimization of advanced hypersonic test facilities, with a particular focus on wind tunnel systems. This role serves as a key technical interface between the engineering team, project management, subcontractors, and customers, and is responsible for defining the vision and framework for systems engineering execution across the program. The Lead Systems Engineer will drive the integration of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to improve performance, reliability, and safety, while coordinating multidisciplinary engineering activities and ensuring robust requirements, risk, and configuration management. This position is ideal for a systems engineering leader with deep domain expertise and a strong interest in hypersonic technologies.ResponsibilitiesLead the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities, with an emphasis on wind tunnel systems.Integrate advanced hypersonic testing methodologies, equipment, and systems into facility designs and operational concepts.Collaborate closely with aerospace, mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers to ensure facilities meet all functional, performance, and operational requirements.Identify, synthesize, and communicate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle, and translate these into project and financial risk implications for project managers, leadership, and end users.Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to define, model, and simulate system architectures for hypersonic test facilities.Manage integration of structural, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and other subsystems to ensure cohesive and high-performing test facility systems.Use MBSE tools such as SysML and Cameo Systems Modeler to support system architecture definition, integration, and verification.Establish and manage system configuration baselines, including clear processes for engineering change control across multiple design disciplines.Develop and maintain system-level requirements, including traceability across the product development lifecycle using requirements management tools.Prepare comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation that comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.Develop and manage key systems engineering program documents, including the Systems Engineering Management Plan, Interface Control Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, and System Verification Plan.Maintain clear documentation of MBSE models, simulations, and test results to support design reviews, audits, and customer engagements.Proactively identify and implement process improvements that enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of test facility design and operation.Stay current with advances in hypersonic technologies, MBSE practices, and digital engineering tools, and incorporate relevant innovations into program execution.Lead system development and design efforts, providing technical direction and prioritization for engineering activities.Perform complex systems analyses and provide clear, actionable recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.Mentor and support other engineers in systems engineering practices and related technical domains such as mechanical design, aerodynamics, testing, and analysis.Support risk and opportunity management activities, including risk assessments and hazard analyses for hypersonic test facilities.Collaborate with cross-functional teams using agile development processes and tools such as JIRA and Confluence.Ensure systems engineering practices and documentation meet the expectations and requirements of government contracts and aerospace and defense standards.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.8+ years of experience working with complex technical systems, including direct experience in systems engineering.Proven experience leading system development and design efforts in aerospace, defense, or similar high-technology environments.Strong technical leadership skills, including critical systems thinking, structured problem-solving, and effective technical communication.Demonstrated experience developing system architectures and guiding MBSE architectural decisions.Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools, such as SysML and Cameo Systems Modeler.Experience with requirements development and requirements management across the systems engineering lifecycle.Familiarity with requirements management tools such as JAMA, DOORS, or Cameo.Experience with system configuration management, including facilitating the change process across multiple design disciplines from a defined configuration baseline.Experience with risk and opportunity management, including risk assessments and hazard analysis.Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations to diverse stakeholders.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.Experience with Systems Engineering on government contracts, particularly in aerospace and defense contexts.Hands-on experience with test facilities such as wind tunnels, shock tubes, or combustion testing environments.Experience conducting system performance evaluations and technical margin assessments.Additional Skills & QualificationsAdvanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field is preferred.Experience with the full product development lifecycle in aerospace or defense systems.Aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or software engineering at the systems level.Experience in related technical disciplines such as mechanical design, aerodynamics, testing, and analysis.Familiarity with analytical tools used in complex problem solving, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis and management, and performance simulations.Knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in test environments.Experience with agile development processes and collaborative tools such as JIRA and Confluence.Experience with Digital Engineering approaches in aerospace and defense environments.Strong interest in hypersonic technologies and high-speed aerodynamics.Demonstrated ability to mentor and train fellow engineers in systems engineering practices and related competencies.Work EnvironmentThe role primarily operates in an office environment with significant cross-functional collaboration among aerospace, mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineering teams. Work conditions and activities may vary depending on the phase of the product development lifecycle, ranging from conceptual design and digital engineering to integration, testing, and verification. While much of the work involves systems engineering, modeling, documentation, and coordination using digital tools and MBSE platforms, the position also requires time on site at hypersonic test facilities, including wind tunnels and related test infrastructure. The environment emphasizes innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, and supports the full spectrum of hypersonic programs from research and development through flight testing. The culture encourages continuous learning, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $65.00 - $95.00/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 TypeThis is a hybrid position in Saint Paul, MN.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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.