Systems Engineer

This role focuses on end-to-end systems engineering and verification for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles. The Systems Engineer designs and executes comprehensive test campaigns for both electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware, ensuring that complex systems perform reliably in the demanding conditions of launch and on-orbit operation. This position plays a key role in scaling from prototype and research and development efforts to full-scale production programs in the rapidly evolving small satellite sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering activities for spaceflight hardware, including satellites, payloads, and launch vehicle components.

• Plan, design, and implement system-level verification strategies to ensure that all hardware and subsystems meet performance and reliability requirements.

• Design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware across the full development lifecycle.

• Run and oversee environmental testing campaigns, including shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing, to validate performance in launch and on-orbit environments.

• Coordinate and integrate test engineering activities with hardware, systems, and satellite engineering teams to ensure cohesive system performance.

• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and resolution of issues identified during system integration and test.

• Document test results, generate clear test reports, and provide data-driven recommendations to engineering and leadership teams.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition designs from prototyping and R&D into scalable, full-production hardware builds.

• Ensure all test activities comply with applicable standards, internal processes, and customer requirements.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering and test processes to enhance quality, reliability, and efficiency., The role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on the design, development, build, and deployment of ground-based and space-based instrumentation, particularly small satellite and spaceflight hardware. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and test personnel, frequently engaging with environmental test facilities and specialized equipment for shock, thermal vacuum, and vibration testing. The organization operates in the dynamic “New Space” sector, supporting programs that are scaling from prototype and R&D efforts to full-scale production builds. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and hands-on work with flight hardware and test systems.

• 12+ years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on end-to-end verification of complex systems.

• Proven experience in systems engineering for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles.

• Hands-on experience in test engineering for spaceflight hardware, covering both electrical and mechanical systems.

• Demonstrated ability to design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for spaceflight hardware.

• Practical experience running environmental tests such as shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing.

• Strong background in hardware systems engineering for satellites and other spaceflight platforms.

• Ability to work across disciplines to integrate and verify complex hardware and system architectures.

• Active or obtainable security clearance at the Secret level (minimum).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting unclassified payload programs, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) payloads.

• background in transitioning from prototype and R&D efforts to full-scale production hardware builds.

• Familiarity with the small satellite sector and miniaturized sensor systems.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills in a hardware-focused environment.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization working on multiple concurrent programs.

This is a Contract position based out of Louisville, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.