Job Information
Actalent Space Systems Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia
Job Title: Principal Systems EngineerJob Description
We are seeking a seasoned Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex product development efforts, from early concept through qualification and delivery. This role is pivotal in shaping system architectures, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensuring that technical solutions align with program objectives, cost targets, and delivery schedules. The Principal Systems Engineer will act as a senior technical authority within development programs, applying disciplined systems thinking to resolve complex challenges and enable successful execution. This position partners closely with program leadership, engineering management, and business development teams to influence product direction, technology investments, and future growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise and broad cross-domain perspective, enabling effective collaboration across hardware, software, and firmware disciplines while maintaining a focus on end-to-end system performance and lifecycle considerations.
Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership for the development of integrated hardware and processing solutions intended for high-reliability and space-constrained environments.
Define and maintain system architectures, interfaces, and technical baselines throughout the product lifecycle.
Lead requirements development, allocation, traceability, and verification planning to ensure system-level objectives are met.
Guide engineering teams through trade studies, risk assessments, and design decision-making using sound systems engineering practices.
Work in close partnership with program managers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and risk goals.
Serve as the primary technical interface for internal stakeholders and external partners or customers.
Prepare and deliver content for technical reviews and milestone events, including preliminary, critical, and qualification-level reviews.
Contribute to forward-looking technology planning, internal research initiatives, and new product concept development.
Support proposal development and capture activities by shaping technical approaches, architectures, and cost-conscious solutions.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) 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, signal integrity analysis, etc.
Experience with complex electronics product design at a low level of integration, e.g., PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
Experience in product development for high reliability, high survivability, and/or space environment applications.
Technical project lead experience; balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets.
Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development.
Ability to lead multidiscipline teams (e.g., system, hardware, software/firmware, and integration and test) through the development of complex electronic systems to meet rigorous space application requirements.
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 demonstrated experience implementing in embedded hardware.
Experience in signal processing and/or algorithm development.
Experience with CAD tools, e.g., PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g., STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model, understanding of networking protocols, etc.
Work Environment
The work environment involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working on advanced electronics systems. The role requires interaction with state-of-the-art technologies and tools such as CAD and systems engineering software. The position demands a focus on high reliability and space-constrained environments, offering a challenging yet rewarding atmosphere for professional growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.
Pay and Benefits
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
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Fairfax,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 20, 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 (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.