Systems Engineer

Actalent; King George (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with match

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Systems Engineer in Dahlgren, VA to apply MBSE principles to design, develop, and deliver tactical fire control systems. You will bridge system architecture with software implementation, creating rigorous SysML/UML models, ICDs, and ensuring traceability across the lifecycle.

The role requires collaboration with software, hardware, and test teams, proficiency in Python/C++/Java, and on-site work five days a week in a secure, mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• MBSE-based requirements & decomposition experience.
• SysML/UML modeling with BD/IBD diagrams.
• Collaboration with software, hardware, and test teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop requirements for weapon systems across air, land, sea platforms.
• Apply MBSE best practices for requirements and design decomposition.
• Ensure end-to-end traceability from mission needs to verification evidence.
• Create system architecture models and various diagrams (BDDs, IBDs, activity, sequence).
• Collaborate with software/hardware teams to maintain system coherence.

Skills

MBSE principles

Cameo Systems Modeler

MagicDraw

SysML models

Python

C++

Java

ICDs

Education

BS in STEM field

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering/CS

Tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

IBM Rhapsody

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Job Title: Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support a family of Battle Management System (BMS) projects, with a primary focus on applying Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools to the design, development, and delivery of tactical fire control systems. This role bridges systems-level architecture and software implementation, ensuring technical coherence across hardware and software boundaries. You will collaborate closely with customers, end-users, and cross-functional engineering teams to develop system models, define and decompose requirements, and support integration and verification activities throughout the system lifecycle. The ideal candidate combines strong MBSE tooling expertise with solid software engineering practices, and is comfortable developing rigorous SysML/UML models, participating in software architecture discussions, defining and analyzing message standards and interface control documents (ICDs), and supporting software integration from a systems engineering perspective. This position is based in Dahlgren, VA.

Responsibilities

• Develop requirements for weapon systems integrated with air, land, and sea platforms.
• Execute systems engineering best practices for requirements definition and decomposition, and for the design and implementation of customer and end-user requirements.
• Assess operational performance criteria and provide recommendations for improving system performance.
• Develop and communicate system plans, progress updates, and performance results clearly in both oral and written form.
• Develop Model Based Systems Engineering models for assigned projects and actively contribute to the BMS MBSE Community of Practice.
• Develop, maintain, and evolve system models using MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler and MagicDraw.
• Create system architecture models, including block definition diagrams (BDDs), internal block diagrams (IBDs), activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and state machines.
• Trace system requirements, perform functional decompositions, and define logical and physical architectures within the model environment.
• Ensure end-to-end traceability from mission needs through system requirements, design artifacts, and verification evidence.
• Generate documentation and views from system models to support program milestones and systems engineering technical reviews.
• Develop solutions for software-centric projects, incorporating hardware considerations where necessary, including concepts and requirements for graphical user interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with software developers, hardware engineers, test teams, configuration management, training, and safety personnel to maintain technical coherence across the full system lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline, or equivalent experience such as direct hands-on experience with a weapon system application in a similar role.
• Minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional experience in systems engineering, including at least one (1) year of experience in software-centric systems engineering.
• Proficiency in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools, with a strong preference for candidates with approximately three (3) years of experience in an applied MBSE position.
• Demonstrated experience using MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, IBM Rhapsody, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent to create and maintain system models.
• Demonstrated experience developing SysML models, including requirements diagrams, block definition diagrams (BDDs), internal block diagrams (IBDs), activity diagrams, and sequence diagrams.
• Knowledge of weapon systems, command and control systems, and rapid acquisition processes is desired.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical material to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technical proficiency in relevant languages and tools such as Python, C++, and Java.
• Ability to define and analyze message standards and interface control documents (ICDs) and support software integration from a systems engineering perspective.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Five (5)+ years of experience in systems engineering or closely related roles.
• Experience integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within MBSE environments.
• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with digital engineering concepts, including digital thread and digital twin.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, JAMA, or Jira.
• Certification in a relevant Systems Modeling Language (SysML), such as OMG SysML Model User or Model Builder, is desired.
• Certification from INCOSE, such as Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP), is a plus.
• Experience contributing to an MBSE community of practice or similar collaborative engineering forums.
• Interest in supporting long-term, growth-oriented programs with a strong track record of success and continuity.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site five days a week at the Dahlgren, VA base, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a secure, mission-focused environment. You will regularly use MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, IBM Rhapsody, MATLAB/Simulink, and requirements management platforms like DOORS, JAMA, or Jira, alongside software development technologies including Python, C++, and Java. The work involves supporting a long-standing, growing program with a stable outlook and extended recompete horizon, offering opportunities to engage across the full system lifecycle from concept through deployment. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical rigor, and continuous improvement, with access to modern digital engineering practices and tools. Attire is consistent with professional standards appropriate for an on-base engineering setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of King George, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

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.

SCCI offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability benefits, 401k with Company Match, time off consisting of 2 weeks of paid vacation, 48 hours of sick/personal leave, and 11 paid Holidays.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in King George,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.