Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Mission-Critical Systems IntegrationJob Description
This role focuses on integrating electrical, mechanical, sensing, firmware, and software subsystems into mission-critical systems, with a strong emphasis on systems architecture, integration, and testing rather than traditional IT work. You will help translate complex technical requirements into practical designs, ensure compliance with military standards, and support the full lifecycle of advanced defense-related systems, including counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS).
Responsibilities
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to develop key performance requirements for electrical, mechanical, sensing, and decision-making subsystems.
Translate complex subsystem information into concise, testable performance metrics supported by analysis and validation methodologies.
Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system design specifications, integration plans, and test procedures.
Generate systems engineering documentation using model-based and documentation tools to clearly convey system capabilities, interfaces, and limitations to all stakeholders.
Design and develop integrated systems that meet stringent military specifications and requirements, including the creation of detailed system architectures.
Ensure all subsystems, including electrical, mechanical, sensing, firmware, and software elements, work together seamlessly within the overall architecture.
Specify key subsystem and full-system tests to demonstrate compliance with design requirements and performance criteria.
Develop, plan, and oversee the integration of hardware, electrical signals, embedded software, and other components into cohesive systems.
Design, direct, and support testing activities to verify that integrated systems meet performance, functionality, and reliability standards.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, component suppliers, and project stakeholders to ensure timely and successful subsystem integration.
Identify and resolve integration issues during development and testing by analyzing system performance, diagnosing root causes, and designing targeted tests and subtests.
Ensure all systems and subsystems comply with relevant military standards and regulations, including interface and performance requirements.
Stay current with evolving industry and military standards and best practices and incorporate them into system designs and documentation.
Engage with defense and military customers to understand their operational needs and technical requirements.
Provide technical support and guidance during deployment, test events, and operational use of the systems.
Conduct research on emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies relevant to electrical engineering, embedded systems, and systems integration.
Apply new knowledge and innovations to improve existing systems and to help shape future capabilities and architectures.
Contribute to the development, design, and presentation of complex system parameters, including mechanical, electrical, and overall systems architectures for CUAS and related platforms.
Support the planning and execution of advanced government test events, including coordination with multinational partners and organizations.
Essential Skills
4-8 years of experience in electrical engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or a related field.
Strong background in electrical engineering principles and electrical design for complex systems.
Hands-on experience with systems integration, including combining electrical, mechanical, sensing, firmware, and software subsystems.
Experience with embedded systems development, integration, or testing.
Extensive experience with systems architecture development, documentation, and assessment.
Ability to develop clear, testable requirements and translate them into system architectures and integration plans.
Proficiency in creating and maintaining technical documentation such as system specifications, integration plans, and test procedures.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve integration issues using systematic analysis and testing.
Strong collaboration skills and experience working as part of a small, dynamic, multidisciplinary engineering team.
High level of motivation and initiative, with the ability to take ownership of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience programming in C or Python, particularly in support of embedded systems and test automation, is preferred.
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering or similar tools for systems documentation and architecture modeling.
Experience working on defense or military programs, especially those involving CUAS or other mission-critical systems, is beneficial.
Understanding of military standards and regulations related to subsystem interfaces, performance, and testing.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Interest in transitioning advanced research and intellectual property into practical, fielded products.
Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with emerging technologies and best practices in systems engineering and integration.
Work Environment
You will work in a small, innovative engineering business that focuses on transitioning advanced intellectual property from leading research institutions into commercial and defense applications, including major Department of Defense programs and CUAS systems. The environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among electrical, mechanical, systems, and software engineers who apply systems engineering principles across the full product lifecycle. You will contribute to the development of complex systems architectures, integrated operational platforms, and subsystem interfaces that adhere to military standards. The role involves both office-based design and documentation work and hands-on participation in integration and testing activities, including advanced government test events that may involve coordination with multinational organizations. The culture emphasizes initiative, technical excellence, and teamwork within a small, dynamic group where engineers have broad responsibility and meaningful impact.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fulton, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $75.00/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 Fulton,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
