Systems Engineer

As a Systems Engineer, you will design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms. You will own requirements across the full development lifecycle, provide technical leadership on system architecture and interfaces, and work closely with interdisciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge payloads. This role offers the opportunity to work next to the lab, see hardware come to life in real time, and have a tangible impact on fast-moving, innovative space programs., * Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms.

• Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for complex space systems.
• Ensure full traceability of requirements throughout the development process and proactively address potential conflicts or issues.
• Lead requirements definition, allocation, and traceability across the entire development lifecycle.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, interface control documents (ICDs), concepts of operations (CONOPs), and test plans.
• Generate clear technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance.
• Support the development and testing of space payloads that will be integrated on spacecraft platforms.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary hardware, software, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of sophisticated payloads.
• Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures.
• Analyze test data and recommend design refinements to improve performance, reliability, and compliance.
• Lead hardware and software verification and validation (V&V) activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance practices, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project discussions and reviews.
• Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads while assessing and mitigating technical risks.
• Support travel or off-site work when needed to facilitate integration, testing, or program reviews.
• Perform other related systems engineering duties as assigned to support program success., This is a fully onsite role in a highly collaborative, lab-adjacent environment where you can see payload hardware being built and tested in real time. You will work as part of a small, focused systems engineering team of approximately 7-8 people, enabling you to have a direct and visible impact on fast-moving, cutting-edge space programs rather than legacy efforts. The team maintains high expectations and strong interpersonal relationships, fostering a supportive culture of technical excellence and accountability. Standard work is five days per week, with a flexible start time between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Exact start and finish hours are still being finalized but are designed to support a healthy work-life balance while meeting program needs. You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and test teams, using modern tools and processes in a prime contractor environment focused on the development and integration of satellites, vehicles, and advanced payloads.

Optics Physics Debugging Visionary Operations Automation Innovation Spacecraft Subsystems Reliability Test Design Traceability Communication Data Analysis Presentations Test Planning Accountability Semiconductors Systems Design Medical Devices Security Clearance Development Testing Systems Engineering Integration Testing Software Development Technical Management Technical Leadership Systems Architecture Test Data Generation Concept Of Operations Technical Requirements Artificial Intelligence Technical Documentation Requirements Management Engineering Design Process Verification And Validation Python (Programming Language) Electromagnetic Interference And Compatibility (EMC/EMI), * Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics.

• At least 5 years of professional systems engineering experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of verification and validation (V&V) experience.
• At least 3 years of integration experience in complex technical systems.
• Hands-on experience with requirements management tools, with the ability to provide detailed, structured responses and documentation.
• Professional background working in cross-functional, interdisciplinary environments.
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, medical device, automotive, semiconductor, or data center.
• Strong systems engineering skills in requirements definition, allocation, traceability, and configuration control.
• Experience with verification, validation, integration, and testing of hardware and software systems.
• Ability to analyze technical data and translate findings into clear recommendations and documentation.
• Strong communication skills for generating technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Python experience for data analysis, automation, or test scripting.
• Professional MATLAB experience for modeling, simulation, or data processing.
• Experience using requirements management tools such as DOORS or JAMA.
• Experience in test planning, including development of test procedures and test strategies.
• Hands-on testing experience with complex systems, including EMI/EMC and other environmental or functional tests.
• Aerospace and defense industry experience specifically in systems engineering.
• Assembly experience with space payloads or other complex hardware systems.
• Active security clearance is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with mission assurance guidelines and compliance frameworks.
• Experience participating in technical interchange meetings and formal design or test reviews., Hand Tools Low Voltage Health Advocacy Strong Work Ethic Power Tool Operation Wire And Cable Pulling Artificial Intelligence Industrial Construction, Actalent Tucson, AZOn-Site Physics Antenna Visionary Innovation Resilience Stage Gate Prototyping Simulations Traceability Communication Presentations Test Equipment Radio Frequency Control Systems Flight Software Systems Modeling Feedback Control Technical Issues Agile Methodology Rapid Prototyping Security Clearance Aerospace Industry Systems Engineering Systems Integration System Requirements Integration Testing Functional Analysis Trajectory Planning Systems Architecture Software Documentation Artificial Intelligence Requirements Management Configuration Management Software Technical Review Systems Modeling Language Engineering Design Process Global Positioning Systems System Integration Testing Verification And Validation System Level Troubleshooting Critical Design Review (CDR) Model Based Systems Engineering Guidance Navigation And Control Systems +0 Systems Test Engineer Actalent Tucson, AZOn-Site Visionary Leadership Mentorship Innovation Simulations Communication Test Planning Collaboration Problem Solving Test Engineering Hardware Support Process Improvement Systems Engineering Software Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence Engineering Design Process Continuous Improvement Process Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) +0

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ. Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $155000.00/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

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