Systems Engineer Lead

Description We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to drive system architecture definition, requirements development, and end-to-end integration and verification efforts across a portfolio of complex, interconnected systems. This role is responsible for ensuring system-level consistency, performance, and compliance with program objectives, while coordinating execution across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in complex systems development within regulated or mission-critical environments, strong expertise in interface control and lifecycle systems engineering, and a proven ability to lead technical execution in schedule-driven programs. Experience supporting government or defense-related programs is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead end-to-end systems engineering activities across multiple related systems, including architecture definition, requirements development, interface management, risk assessment, verification planning, and formal design reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR/FDR, TRR) Establish, decompose, and maintain system-level requirements with full traceability to customer specifications, derived constraints, verification methods, and subsystem allocations

• Coordinate technical execution across internal teams and external partners, ensuring consistent system architecture, controlled interfaces, aligned schedules, and delivery of verified, compliant system capabilities
• Develop and maintain key system artifacts, including system block diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), data flow diagrams, verification matrices, integration strategies, and detailed test plans
• Lead and facilitate technical interchange meetings (TIMs), cross-functional design reviews, peer reviews, and supplier technical assessments, with a focus on verification readiness and system completeness
• Collaborate closely with software, hardware, test engineering, manufacturing, configuration management, and program management teams to ensure cohesive system behavior and robust lifecycle verification
• Provide leadership in configuration control, requirements management, and verification processes, supporting continuous improvement initiatives and adherence to industry quality standards (e.g., AS9100 or equivalent)
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, contributing to the development and maturity of systems engineering practices across the organization

Skills & Qualifications Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• U.S. Person status with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
• Strong proficiency in full lifecycle systems engineering for embedded systems, with the ability to operate effectively in fixed-price, schedule-driven environments while supporting Agile development practices
• Hands-on experience defining, refining, and maintaining traceable requirements baselines, including system modeling, analysis, and verification aligned to program commitments
• Solid experience in high-speed serial communication technologies and mixed hardware/software architectures, including integration of embedded processors
• Demonstrated capability to support system architecture definition, decomposition, design reviews, and configuration-controlled updates Strong understanding of embedded systems, hardware/software integration, interface control, and data-driven decision-making across complex system interactions
• Experience supporting government or defense-related research, development, or acquisition programs
• Familiarity with requirements management and workflow tools such as Jira, Jama, DOORS, or similar platforms
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and aligning Agile development with fixed-price contractual deliverables
• Knowledge of environmental qualification standards and testing methods (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810)
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly present technical concepts to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Melbourne, FL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00
• $84.13/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 Melbourne,FL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.