Systems Engineer

Talentify; Chillicothe (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 88,000; Part time

Job summary

Actalent in Chillicothe, IL seeks a Systems Engineer focusing on MineStar Fleet test engineering and autonomy software validation. You will develop and execute test plans, perform SIL tests in simulated environments, and manage large VM-based labs to mirror customer deployments.

The role requires 5+ years in complex systems testing, strong Linux/Windows Server skills, VMware experience, and onsite work. Shift options include 1st or 2nd, with a contract arrangement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with complex systems in a test engineering or systems engineering capacity.
• Proven experience developing, writing, and executing detailed test plans.
• Strong debugging skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues across software and system components.
• Hands-on experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing.
• Proficiency with Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, including Windows Server environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Ability and willingness to work fully onsite.
• Ability to work assigned shift hours (1st or 2nd shift as scheduled).

Responsibilities

• Support the MineStar Fleet application and associated autonomous hauling products used to operate autonomous mining trucks and staff vehicles.
• Develop, write, and execute detailed test plans for complex systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage of functional, performance, and integration scenarios.
• Perform heavy test engineering activities, including software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, to validate autonomous systems in simulated environments.
• Utilize simulators to create realistic, virtual mining site conditions and run the product as it would be used by customers in the field.
• Administer and manage a large virtualized environment of approximately 1,000 virtual machines used to simulate worksite environments for testing applications and network infrastructure.
• Use VMware to create, configure, back up, and manage virtual machines and support a dedicated server cluster environment.
• Work with Windows Server and Linux operating systems to deploy, configure, and maintain autonomy onboard software on virtual machines.
• Support and participate in upgrades to Windows Server 2022 within the isolated test environment.
• Debug issues across software, network, and system layers, identifying root causes and collaborating with team members to implement fixes.
• Apply IP networking knowledge to configure and troubleshoot network connectivity within an isolated VLAN segmented specifically for this team.
• Collaborate with autonomy and fleet management teams to ensure test environments accurately reflect customer deployments and operational scenarios.
• Document test results, issues, and configurations clearly to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Contribute to the scalability lab operations by running tests that evaluate performance, scalability, and reliability of the autonomy and fleet management solutions.

Skills

Test engineering

SIL testing

Linux

Windows Server

VMware

Python scripting

IP networking

Autonomy software

onsite work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in related technical discipline

Tools

VMware

Windows Server

Linux

Job description

Job Title: Systems Engineer

Job Description

This Systems Engineer role focuses on supporting the MineStar Fleet application and related autonomous hauling solutions used at mining sites. You will primarily work as a test engineer, validating complex autonomous truck and staff vehicle systems within a simulated worksite environment. The position involves developing and executing test plans, debugging issues across software and infrastructure, and working with virtualized environments to ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of fleet management and autonomy software.

Responsibilities

• Support the MineStar Fleet application and associated autonomous hauling products used to operate autonomous mining trucks and staff vehicles.
• Develop, write, and execute detailed test plans for complex systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage of functional, performance, and integration scenarios.
• Perform heavy test engineering activities, including software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, to validate autonomous systems in simulated environments.
• Utilize simulators to create realistic, virtual mining site conditions and run the product as it would be used by customers in the field.
• Administer and manage a large virtualized environment of approximately 1,000 virtual machines used to simulate worksite environments for testing applications and network infrastructure.
• Use VMware to create, configure, back up, and manage virtual machines and support a dedicated server cluster environment.
• Work with Windows Server and Linux operating systems to deploy, configure, and maintain autonomy onboard software on virtual machines.
• Support and participate in upgrades to Windows Server 2022 within the isolated test environment.
• Debug issues across software, network, and system layers, identifying root causes and collaborating with team members to implement fixes.
• Apply IP networking knowledge to configure and troubleshoot network connectivity within an isolated VLAN segmented specifically for this team.
• Collaborate with autonomy and fleet management teams to ensure test environments accurately reflect customer deployments and operational scenarios.
• Document test results, issues, and configurations clearly to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Contribute to the scalability lab operations by running tests that evaluate performance, scalability, and reliability of the autonomy and fleet management solutions.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with complex systems in a test engineering or systems engineering capacity.
• Proven experience developing, writing, and executing detailed test plans.
• Strong debugging skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues across software and system components.
• Hands-on experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing.
• Proficiency with Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, including Windows Server environments.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering.
• Ability and willingness to work fully onsite.
• Ability to work assigned shift hours (1st or 2nd shift as scheduled).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with IT software and virtualization technologies, particularly VMware, is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with the MineStar Fleet application or similar fleet management systems.
• Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or test tooling.
• Knowledge of IP networking concepts and practical network configuration and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience working in isolated or segmented network environments (such as dedicated VLANs).
• Prior exposure to autonomy onboard software or autonomous vehicle systems.
• Bachelors degree in a related technical discipline beyond the minimum (e.g., Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering) is an advantage.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a dedicated autonomy group environment. You will work within a scalability lab that simulates real mining sites using a large cluster of servers and approximately 1,000 virtual machines. The team operates on an isolated VLAN, providing a segmented network specifically for testing and development of autonomy and fleet management applications. Technologies in daily use include MineStar Fleet applications, autonomy onboard software, VMware for virtual machine management, Windows Server (including upgrades to Windows Server 2022), Linux, Python, and IP networking. One position operates on 1st shift, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and another operates on 2nd shift, approximately 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., four days per week. The environment emphasizes hands‑on work with servers, virtual machines, and simulators to closely mirror customer deployments and ensure high reliability of autonomous hauling solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $64.00/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 Chillicothe,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 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.