Systems Engineer

Actalent; Burnsville (MN); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Burnsville, MN seeks a Systems Engineer to lead the development of complex electro‑mechanical systems. This hands‑on role interfaces with customers to define requirements, develop system architectures, and coordinate cross‑functional engineering efforts from concept through production.

You will bridge mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines in a collaborative, small team, and contribute to proposal development, cost estimating, and lifecycle upgrades.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of systems engineering experience on electro‑mechanical products.
• Experience with hardware systems including servers, racks, enclosures, cabling, connectors, and networking equipment.
• Strong ability to manage requirements and perform system integration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers to gather and manage system requirements.
• Translate needs into technical specifications and system architectures.
• Lead requirements management, trade studies, and design reviews.
• Work with mechanical, electrical, and software teams on integrated solutions.
• Support testing, validation, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
• Define system functionality and document design decisions.
• Contribute to proposal development and cost estimating.
• Ensure compliance with performance, quality, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Hardware systems

Cross-functional teamwork

Test & validation

Traceability (DOORS)

Customer-facing

Independent worker

Education

Bachelors in engineering

Tools

DOORS

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Systems Engineer to lead the development of complex electro‑mechanical systems, including large cabinet‑based solutions housing servers, networking equipment, cabling, displays, consoles, and communication systems. This role works directly with customers to define requirements, develop system architectures, coordinate cross‑functional engineering efforts, and support products from concept through production. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer who thrives in a collaborative, small‑team environment and can bridge mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers to gather, define, and manage system requirements.
• Translate customer needs into detailed technical specifications and system architectures.
• Lead systems engineering activities including requirements management, trade studies, risk assessment, and design reviews.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to develop integrated system solutions and prototypes.
• Support hardware and software integration, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Manage requirements traceability using tools such as DOORS or equivalent platforms.
• Define and document system functionality, architecture, and design decisions.
• Support production, installation, customer support, and lifecycle upgrades.
• Contribute to proposal development, cost estimating, configuration management, and obsolescence planning.
• Ensure compliance with performance, quality, environmental, and customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering.
• 6+ years of systems engineering experience with complex electro‑mechanical products.
• Experience working with hardware systems including servers, racks, enclosures, cabling, connectors, and networked equipment.
• Strong understanding of system architecture, requirements development, and systems integration.
• Experience collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.
• Hands‑on experience with system testing, validation, and problem resolution.
• Experience managing product requirements and requirements traceability.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer‑facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and wear multiple hats in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ruggedized systems, cabinets, consoles, displays, and GUI‑based applications.
• Background in defense, aerospace, medical device, capital equipment, or other mission‑critical industries.
• Experience with video distribution, signal processing, and display technologies.
• Familiarity with military or Navy programs.
• Experience with configuration management, environmental qualification testing, and project planning.
• Knowledge of copper, fiber, and data/video transmission systems.

Work Environment

This role is based in a collaborative engineering and laboratory setting focused on advanced information and communication systems. You'll work within a small, highly technical team that values innovation, flexibility, hands‑on problem solving, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Burnsville, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $62.00/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 hybrid position in Burnsville,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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 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 [e-mail] 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.