Job Title: Sr. Systems EngineerJob DescriptionThe Sr. Systems Engineer supports advanced Directed Energy platforms on a high energy laser program with a strong focus on systems integration and testing rather than requirements and design. You will help mature complex systems through development testing and design verification testing, working at the intersection of hardware and software. This role combines hands-on work with high-voltage, high-current electronics and leadership in planning and executing system-level tests.Responsibilities
- Integrate complex system hardware by chaining components together and ensuring proper power distribution in a laboratory environment.
- Power and configure system components, including high-voltage, high-current electronics, to support integration and test activities.
- Conduct load testing on high-voltage, high-current electronics and related power systems to validate performance and safety.
- Develop detailed test cases and write comprehensive acceptance test plans to verify system functionality and performance.
- Execute system-level testing independently and lead small teams through test execution, data collection, and reporting.
- Troubleshoot electrical systems, including diagnosing issues with power distribution, chargers, and battery hardware components.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding power distribution architectures, chargers, batteries, and related hardware interfaces.
- Work closely with an interdisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, software, electrical, and chief engineers, to ensure integrated system performance.
- Support development testing and design verification testing (DVT) to help mature the system through its lifecycle.
- Collaborate with software teams to coordinate development, testing, and verification activities, including code-based requirements and software requirement specifications (SRS).
- Document test results, issues, and resolutions clearly and accurately to support system validation and future improvements.
- Contribute to risk identification and mitigation related to system integration, high-voltage systems, and overall system architecture.
- Support the creation and refinement of systems engineering artifacts, including test documentation, interface descriptions, and verification evidence.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems engineering or a closely related field.
- Technical Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a similar discipline.
- Hands-on experience with system integration and testing of complex systems.
- Experience developing and documenting acceptance test plans and test cases.
- Strong understanding of electrical systems and power distribution architectures.
- Experience working with high-voltage, high-current electronics and related safety and testing practices.
- Ability to build or configure test equipment for power systems and batteries.
- Comfort working at the intersection of software and hardware, including coordination with software teams.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot electrical systems, including power distribution, chargers, and battery hardware.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary engineering teams and collaborating with mechanical, software, and electrical engineers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting tests, requirements, and coordination with technical teams.
- Familiarity with systems engineering practices such as requirements, verification, and risk management.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Familiarity or experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo.
- Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS.
- Experience with analysis tools such as MATLAB.
- Experience with circuit simulation tools such as LTspice.
- Experience with technical documentation or illustration tools such as Canvas X Pro.
- Exposure to systems architecture and model-based approaches.
- Experience supporting software-focused systems engineering activities, including writing code-based requirements and software requirement specifications (SRS).
- Experience in risk management for complex systems, especially those involving high-voltage and power distribution.
Work EnvironmentThe role operates within a hybrid work model that offers flexibility while supporting on-site laboratory and integration activities as needed. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing a compressed workweek with every other Friday typically off. You will work closely with a small interdisciplinary team of approximately 8 to 10 engineers, including mechanical, software, electrical, and chief engineers, in a collaborative, project-focused environment. The work involves hands-on interaction with high-voltage, high-current electronics, power distribution systems, chargers, and battery hardware, as well as coordination with software development and verification teams. The environment emphasizes safety, structured testing, and clear documentation while providing opportunities to work with advanced Directed Energy and high energy laser technologies. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeton, MO. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeton, MO. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Bridgeton,MO.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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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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.