Systems Engineer

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer who excels in leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new or improved products that meet requirements on time and within budget. The role involves providing systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, contributing to technology and product roadmaps, and participating in strategic business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology.
• Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure proper systems analysis, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed.
• Collaborate with program management to lead program planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints.
• Serve as the program technical champion and representative.
• Prepare for and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews.
• Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives.
• Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• 9+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree or 7 years with a master’s degree.
• Experience in electronics design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, and signal integrity analysis.
• Experience with complex electronics product design, such as PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, and FPGA firmware.
• Experience in product development for high reliability, high survivability, and/or space environment applications.
• Technical project lead experience, balancing technical performance with program cost and schedule targets.
• Proficient in applying systems engineering methodology to product design and development.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through the development of complex electronic systems for space applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MS degree in a STEM field.
• Experience with space industry product development life cycles.
• Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture.
• Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and experience implementing in embedded hardware.
• Experience in signal processing and/or algorithm development.
• Experience with CAD tools such as PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS.
• Experience with systems engineering tools like STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE.
• Understanding of networking protocols and OSI model.

Work Environment

The work environment involves collaboration with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful program execution. It requires expert technical capability, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with engineering leadership towards growing an effective engineering organization. The position involves working with various disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware engineering.

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.

The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $185000.00/yr.

- 6% 401k Match - Cigna Health Insurance: Cigna HDHP (HSA) and Cigna PPO. Trident pays 100% of the premium cost of HDHP plan. - 20 days of PTO, 7 holidays, and company shut down from December 25th-December 31st

This is a hybrid position in Fairfax,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 6, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.