Systems Test Engineer

Job Title: Systems Test Engineer

Job Description

This Systems Test Engineer role supports the modernization of a wideband global satellite ground configuration and control element, focusing on current system upgrades for upcoming satellite launches and future development efforts. You will participate in the full product development lifecycle-from concept and design through integration, test, delivery, and ongoing support-within a fast-paced, success-oriented, modified-agile environment. The position emphasizes systems engineering across complex, integrated systems, requiring strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, and offers a collaborative setting where you can both learn from and lead others.

Responsibilities

• Plan, orchestrate, and execute system-of-systems end-to-end testing across multiple entities and environments with complex interactions.
• Develop comprehensive test plans that ensure coverage of legacy functionality and reallocated capabilities in a modernized system architecture.
• Perform legacy system impact analysis, including assessing regression risks, identifying hidden dependencies, and evaluating the impact of operating system, hardware, and software architecture upgrades.
• Own verification and validation (V&V) activities supporting the qualification of hardware prototypes and onboard software.
• Write reusable, high-quality test automation procedures, scripts, and data analysis tools in Python or C++.
• Design cohesive test campaigns that span both simulation environments and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) configurations.
• Analyze complex test data, identify and document defects, and clearly communicate results and findings to cross-functional software and hardware teams.
• Apply software integration and end-to-end testing methodologies to ensure system performance, reliability, and interoperability.
• Identify, perform, and review design decisions, trade studies, and architecture improvements to enhance system capabilities.
• Decompose complex system requirements into executable, discrete user stories suitable for a modified-agile development environment.
• Establish and support system-level management processes and interfaces across integrated subsystems.
• Develop, maintain, and manage risk and opportunity baselines for the system under test.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that test activities align with project objectives and customer needs.
• Support ongoing maintenance and enhancement efforts for delivered systems, contributing to continuous improvement of test processes and tools.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of proven experience performing software integration, test, validation, and verification.
• 5+ years of experience with web service integrations, including REST and SOAP APIs.
• 3+ years of experience with software integration and end-to-end testing methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute system-of-systems test coordination across multiple entities and environments.
• Strong skills in systems engineering, including designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems and products.
• Proficiency in Python for test automation, scripting, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in C++ for test automation and software validation activities.
• Experience designing and executing test campaigns in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments.
• Ability to perform legacy system impact analysis and assess regression risks associated with modernization efforts.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and propose effective solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting test results.
• Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, success-oriented, modified-agile environment.
• Eligibility and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Cisco network environments and related integration and testing activities.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices and tools such as Cameo.
• Experience with Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) processes or environments.
• Experience with Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) test practices or environments.
• Security+ or similar security-related certification or knowledge of information assurance principles.
• Experience working on complex, interdisciplinary systems that integrate hardware, software, and network components.
• Ability to lead or mentor others in a collaborative systems engineering and test environment.
• Experience decomposing requirements into user stories and working within agile or modified-agile frameworks.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Colorado Springs, CO, within a collaborative engineering environment focused on satellite ground systems and complex, integrated technologies. You will work closely with cross-functional software, hardware, and systems engineering teams, using tools and practices that include hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, Cisco networking technologies, MBSE tools such as Cameo, and test automation and data analysis in Python and C++. The work is fast-paced and success-oriented, following a modified-agile approach that emphasizes iterative development, continuous integration, and regular collaboration. The environment supports mentoring and knowledge sharing, giving you opportunities to both learn from experienced colleagues and provide guidance to others.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $63.00 - $85.00/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 Colorado Springs,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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.