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Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer - AvionicsJob Description

We are seeking a visionary Principal Systems Engineer to lead a groundbreaking new aircraft development effort. In this role, you will shape the architecture, performance, and technical direction of an advanced aerospace platform from its earliest concept through detailed design. This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of innovation and rigor—someone who can translate ambitious mission needs into elegant, executable engineering solutions while guiding multidisciplinary teams toward a unified technical vision.

Responsibilities

+ Drive the design and maturation of next‑generation aircraft systems in collaboration with experts in aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials, and manufacturing.

+ Engage in requirements analysis, system modeling, integration, verification, and technical risk management.

+ Contribute to the development of cutting‑edge technologies, including advanced mission payloads and electronic systems.

+ Build and manage the requirements traceability matrix (RTM).

+ Develop CONOPS, system architectures, and interface definitions.

+ Lead Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) planning and risk reduction.

+ Perform trade studies on weight, power, cost, and survivability.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or a related field.

+ Approximately 14+ years of relevant experience.

+ Deep expertise in systems engineering and leadership in complex development environments.

+ Fluency with modern digital engineering tools and practices.

+ Experience in requirements management, MBSE, system integration, and technical performance tracking.

+ Thorough understanding of requirements development, system design, integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.

+ Experience with narrow-body aircraft systems, such as ECS, electrical power, lighting, and cabin management.

+ Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Advanced experience with requirements management and system modeling tools, such as DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, and MATLAB.

+ Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, including requirements management and Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).

+ Experience or certification in INCOSE standards.

+ Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

+ Experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced environment with a business casual dress code. The main location is at the Rocky Mountain Campus, which features a gym, cafeteria, and coffee shop onsite. A hybrid work arrangement is possible, but onsite collaboration is preferred due to the nature of the work. Support is available for individuals working from Dayton, OH, Plano, TX, or Wichita, KS, but occasional onsite presence is required. The company offers a generous 401K package with 150% matching up to 6%, as well as a state-of-the-art coffee house and free fitness center onsite.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Englewood, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100.00 - $115.00/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 hybrid position in Englewood,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.