Senior Systems Engineer

We are seeking a software-savvy Sr. Systems Engineer to support the development, integration, and testing of advanced Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs) for combat vehicle platforms. These systems support battlefield reconnaissance, survivability, lethality, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. This role is ideal for someone with a strong software foundation who can operate at the systems level-particularly in integration, testing, debugging, and troubleshooting complex embedded systems. You'll work closely with cross-functional engineering teams (software, electrical, mechanical, cyber) in both lab and field environments, helping to ensure system performance meets mission and customer requirements.

What You'll Do

• Support the integration and testing of mission systems on next-gen and legacy combat vehicles

• Analyze software behavior and troubleshoot system-level issues, including debugging and root cause analysis

• Read and interpret code to identify faults and support bug hunting and issue resolution

• Assist with software updates, capability enhancements, and system improvements

• Support lab-based testing and field test events, including pre-test prep and post-test analysis

• Work with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems to evaluate system performance

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration issues across hardware and software domains

• Participate in and present at design reviews, test briefs, and customer meetings

• Support adherence to systems engineering processes including requirements, integration, and verification

• Assist with technical evaluations for hardware/software acquisition, + Opportunity to serve as a technical second-in-command and interface with customers

Must-Have Skills

• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, or test engineering

• Strong understanding of software systems and behavior

• Experience with:

• Software integration testing

• Debugging and troubleshooting complex systems

• Root cause analysis in embedded or real-time environments

• Ability to read and understand code (no heavy coding required)

• Experience supporting system integration, verification, and validation (V&V)

• Experience working in lab or field test environments

• Comfortable interacting with government stakeholders and presenting technical information

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with:

• Embedded or control software

• Electrical engineering concepts or power systems

• MATLAB / Simulink

• C / C++ (for understanding codebases)

• Familiarity with:

• SysML / MBSE (Cameo preferred, SysML 1.7 a plus)

• DOORS or requirements management tools

• Experience in defense domains:

• Vehicle systems, radar, missile systems, or C4ISR, + Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• Ability to travel ~10% (CONUS/OCONUS)

• U.S. Citizenship (likely required for defense work), A strong fit is someone who:

• Has experience in integration/test roles within defense or embedded systems

• Can diagnose system issues by analyzing software behavior

• Understands how software impacts system-level performance

• Enjoys working at the intersection of software, hardware, and operations

• Hybrid schedule with a 9/80 work week:

• 9-hour days Monday-Thursday

• Every other Friday off

• Alternate Fridays are 8-hour days

• Typically WFH Mondays and Fridays, This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeton, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $55.00/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

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.