Job Information
Actalent Systems Engineer in Frederick, Maryland
Job Title: Systems EngineerJob Description
As a Systems Engineer, you will lead end-to-end systems engineering activities for advanced SIGINT, electronic warfare, and communication platforms used across airborne, ground, surface, and man-portable systems. You will focus primarily on requirements decomposition, architecture development, and environmental qualification, while also supporting RF integration, modeling and simulation, and field testing. This role offers the opportunity to help design and mature a new radio capability into a core competency within a highly technical, mission-focused engineering environment serving the defense and aerospace sector.
Responsibilities
Lead systems engineering efforts with a primary focus on requirements and architecture, including requirements decomposition, traceability, and management for complex SIGINT, EW, and communication platforms.
Develop and maintain system and subsystem architectures, ensuring well-defined interfaces and alignment with customer and internal requirements.
Create, manage, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to define and control interfaces between hardware, software, and external systems.
Serve as the lead coordinator for MIL-STD-810 environmental qualification activities, including planning, execution, and documentation.
Author detailed environmental test plans and procedures, including laboratory test plans (LTP) and related documentation.
Manage relationships with external test laboratories, coordinating schedules, test configurations, and technical requirements.
Oversee the execution of environmental stress screening and qualification tests, ensuring accurate data collection and adherence to standards.
Review and approve final environmental test reports, summarizing results and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
Perform hands-on integration and troubleshooting of RF hardware with embedded systems in a laboratory environment.
Utilize spectrum analyzers, waveform generators, and other RF diagnostic tools (including Signal Hound spectrum analyzers) to isolate and resolve hardware and software interface issues.
Collaborate closely with embedded software and FPGA (gateware) teams to define, document, and verify hardware–software interfaces.
Assist with Python and/or C++ scripting to support test automation, data collection, and basic embedded troubleshooting tasks.
Develop, refine, and maintain MATLAB models and simulations to predict and analyze system performance in complex spectral environments.
Perform link budget analysis and validate signal processing algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.
Apply RF fundamentals to analyze spectral content, noise figure, gain distribution, and signal detection performance within SIGINT and EW systems.
Support verification and validation activities to ensure systems meet internal and customer requirements across domains such as radar, cameras, weapon systems, RF, radio communications, vision systems, and airborne platforms.
Participate in local field and range testing, including test planning, setup, data collection, and performance assessment in real-world environments (approximately 10–20% travel).
Document engineering analyses, design decisions, test results, and trade studies with clear, precise technical writing.
Communicate complex engineering trade-offs, constraints, and recommendations to internal teams and external stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams (electrical, mechanical, aerospace, software, and systems) to deliver integrated surveillance and reconnaissance solutions.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 2 years of industry experience in engineering design with exposure to systems engineering requirements, integration, and test, preferably in the defense or aerospace sector.
Hands-on experience with systems design, requirements management, and requirements definition for complex engineered systems.
Understanding of systems engineering practices, including designing to requirements and maintaining traceability from requirements through verification.
Experience with verification and validation of systems against internal and customer requirements.
Strong understanding of at least one core engineering discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, with a well-rounded awareness of adjacent disciplines.
Strong command of RF fundamentals and physics, including spectral analysis, noise figure, gain distribution, and signal detection within SIGINT and EW applications.
Proficiency with laboratory RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers and signal generators for diagnosing hardware and software interface issues.
Experience using MATLAB and Simulink for system modeling, performance analysis, and algorithm validation.
Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 environmental qualification processes and requirements.
Ability to produce clear, accurate, and detailed technical documentation, including test plans, reports, and interface definitions.
Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts and engineering trade-offs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance with at least a clearable status and U.S. citizenship.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working on systems that involve radar, cameras, weapon systems, RF subsystems, radio communication, vision systems, or airborne platforms.
Experience in the defense and aerospace industry, particularly on surveillance and reconnaissance systems for manned or unmanned platforms.
Practical experience with Python and/or C++ for data analysis, test automation, or basic embedded system troubleshooting.
Familiarity with MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC testing and requirements is a significant plus.
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw is desirable but not required.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to debugging complex hardware–software interactions.
Work Environment
You will work in a highly technical engineering environment focused on systems engineering, electronic product development, and contract engineering services for government and prime contractor programs. The role is primarily lab- and office-based, with frequent use of RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, waveform generators, and diagnostic tools, as well as software tools including MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, and MBSE platforms where applicable. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams developing integrated surveillance and reconnaissance systems for manned and unmanned airborne, ground, surface, and man-portable platforms. The position includes approximately 10–20% travel to local field and range test sites to validate system performance in operationally relevant environments. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, clear communication, thorough documentation, and building advanced radio and RF capabilities as a core organizational competency.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frederick, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $54.00/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
This is a fully onsite position in Frederick,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.