Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer III/IV - Aircraft Simulation

Job Description

The Systems Engineer III/IV leads the full System Development Life Cycle for complex, high‑fidelity aircraft simulators, from planning and analysis through design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. This role owns the end‑to‑end design, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft simulation systems to ensure that hardware and software accurately replicate real‑world aircraft behavior and support pilot training, testing, and certification. The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership to a team of engineers, drives system architecture and model‑based engineering practices, and partners with management to establish robust processes, controls, security, and strategies for system support initiatives. International travel is required, and the successful candidate must be able to obtain a US passport and may be required to obtain a US Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of software and systems engineers in the design and development of complex aircraft simulation systems.
• Develop and manage system requirements, ensuring full traceability from initial concept through verification and validation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including software, hardware, avionics, and modeling and simulation disciplines, to deliver integrated solutions.
• Design and integrate real‑time simulation models covering aerodynamics, flight controls, propulsion, and aircraft systems.
• Research and define simulator subsystems and integration strategies to support robust and scalable designs.
• Support hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) testing to validate system performance and behavior.
• Create system diagrams and detailed design documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs).
• Assess hardware assembly requirements and prepare associated documentation to support build and integration activities.
• Develop and maintain system architecture using tools such as CAMEO or similar model‑based systems engineering applications.
• Apply system modeling techniques to visualize and analyze system architecture, components, and their interactions.
• Create and communicate system architectures, integration plans, and interface definitions for various designs and related system behaviors.
• Define system integration approaches, including interfaces with control system models and data sources.
• Conduct requirements analysis to elicit, document, and manage functional and non‑functional requirements for complex systems.
• Identify and assess risks associated with system development and integration, and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Participate in test planning by defining strategies and scope for verifying and validating integrated simulation systems against requirements.
• Identify integration requirements and data exchange needs, and collaborate with discipline engineers to define compatible solutions.
• Liaise with process engineers, discipline engineers, and software developers to resolve questions related to interpretation and execution of designs throughout the lifecycle.
• Define detailed operating procedures and change management processes for the system environment.
• Participate in testing activities as required, including execution, analysis, and documentation of results.
• Support technical presentations and demonstrations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support installation efforts that require travel outside the continental United States (OCONUS).
• Support the development of system documentation, including user guides, design documents, and operational procedures.
• Document configurations of all equipment and systems to ensure accurate configuration management.
• Assist in debugging issues related to security settings, including those required by DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Assist in the creation of Acceptance Test Procedures to ensure systems meet defined requirements and standards.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in systems engineering combined with a related technical domain such as simulation, process control, or the aerospace industry.
• Proficiency with CAMEO or similar model‑based systems engineering tools and SysML.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and best practices for system design, integration, and verification.
• Ability to interpret and define system architectures, interface control documents, requirements specifications, and system models.
• Proficiency in requirements analysis principles, methodologies, and requirements management tools.
• Experience with system architecture development, documentation, and model‑based systems engineering or model‑based design (MBSE/MBD).
• Experience with formal risk management processes, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of technical risks.
• Understanding of control systems principles and their application in aerospace or simulation environments.
• Strong computer skills and experience with standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Microsoft Project for planning and tracking engineering activities.
• Ability to use basic computer operating systems, including Linux and Windows.
• Familiarity with software requirements gathering and modeling tools.
• Familiarity or experience with network hardware and software application support, including Windows and Linux operating systems and virtualization infrastructure.
• Experience in router or network switch management and network infrastructure design architecture.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Windows Server 2019/2022, Windows 10, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7/8.
• Knowledge and experience with VMware technologies such as ESXi, vSphere Enterprise+, vCenter, App Volumes, Horizon, and High Availability configurations.
• Knowledge of PXE boot environments and their configuration.
• Knowledge of Cisco switch configuration and administration.
• Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server administration.
• Knowledge of Storage Area Network (SAN) configuration and administration.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory administration.
• Knowledge of backup systems such as Veeam or similar solutions.
• Ability to obtain a US Government security clearance, if required, and meet associated eligibility requirements.
• Completion of a full course of study leading to a Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering (such as Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) or a closely related technical field.
• Experience with aircraft, avionics, flight simulators, or aerospace control systems.
• Previous high‑fidelity simulation experience.
• Proficiency with scripting or programming languages such as Python and C++.
• Experience in test planning and execution for complex systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in simulation engineering business environments.
• Experience with U.S. Army Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation processes.
• Knowledge and experience with relevant quality management systems such as ISO 9001.
• Experience with Extended Reality (VR, AR, MR) development, integration, and testing.
• Experience with simulation image generator integration.
• Familiarity with PowerShell scripting for automation and system administration tasks.
• Virtualization vendor certifications, such as VMware certification.
• Cisco networking certifications.
• Microsoft certifications such as MCSE or MCSA.

Work Environment

The Systems Engineer works in a professional engineering environment that combines office‑based design and analysis with laboratory and integration activities. Daily work involves the use of computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines, along with specialized engineering tools for system modeling, requirements management, and simulation. The role relies heavily on Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Project, and model‑based systems engineering tools such as CAMEO. The technical environment includes Windows and Linux operating systems, Microsoft Windows Server 2019/2022, Windows 10, RHEL 7/8, and a robust virtualization stack using VMware technologies like ESXi, vSphere Enterprise+, vCenter, App Volumes, Horizon, and High Availability configurations. Network infrastructure features Cisco switches, routers, PXE boot environments, Microsoft SQL Server, Storage Area Networks, Microsoft Active Directory, and enterprise backup solutions such as Veeam. The position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, participation in integration labs for HIL and SIL testing, and adherence to security and information assurance guidelines, including DISA STIGs when applicable. International and OCONUS travel is required to support system installations, demonstrations, and customer engagements. The work setting emphasizes structured processes, configuration management, and clear documentation, providing an environment suited to engineers who enjoy complex technical challenges, cross‑functional collaboration, and contributing to advanced aircraft simulation and training systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $57.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Orlando,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 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 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.

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.