Systems Engineer

Jobtailor; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a lead systems engineer to drive technical development across hardware and software prototypes for government-focused projects. You will manage scope, risk, and schedules while coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.

You will design, execute, and analyze integration and test activities, communicating complex concepts to diverse stakeholders and enabling rapid decision-making for national security programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• Experience leading technical projects with limited oversight and delivering results.
• Proven hands-on experience with systems integration and testing across hardware/software domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical systems engineering on projects across IQT Engineering, managing scope, risk, and schedule.
• Develop hardware and software proofs of concept to inform technology decisions.
• Perform systems integration across hardware, software, and network domains.

Skills

Systems Integration

Prototyping

Technical Project Management

Technical Documentation

U.S. Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Generative AI Tools

Job description

• Lead technical systems engineering on projects across IQT Engineering, managing project scope, technical risk, and schedule
• Rapidly develop hardware and software proofs of concept and prototypes to demonstrate feasibility and inform technology decisions
• Perform systems integration across hardware, software, and network domains, including single board computers, microcontrollers, and communication systems
• Design, execute, and analyze integration and test activities including bench testing, laboratory validation, and field evaluations
• Manage technical and schedule risk across projects, identifying mitigation strategies and working with colleagues to minimize overall program risk
• Develop technical documentation, test reports, and briefing materials for internal and customer audiences
• Present technical findings via customer briefings, blog posts, conference presentations, and publications, as appropriate
• Interface with government customers, technical partners, and portfolio companies to understand requirements and demonstrate capabilities
• Use generative AI tools to efficiently perform the above tasks
• Design and build prototypes addressing national security problems
• Provide hands‑on systems engineering support to startup companies adapting commercial technology for government use
• Define system architectures, identify integration challenges, conduct technical assessments, and advise on paths to operational readiness
• Work across concept development, design, prototyping, integration, testing, evaluation, and customer engagement

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance; active clearance preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in systems engineering, hardware/software integration, or related technical roles
• Demonstrated expertise managing technical projects with limited oversight, including breaking down complex problems, managing schedules, and delivering results
• Hands‑on experience with systems integration and testing, including debugging complex hardware/software systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team across multiple concurrent projects
• Fast learner able to assess different technical approaches and adapt to achieve project goals
• Self‑motivated contributor with a team‑focused mentality and ability to mentor others

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering, hardware/software integration, and project management, with a focus on developing prototypes and conducting rigorous testing. Capable of effectively communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences while managing technical risks and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Systems Engineering
• Hardware/Software Integration
• Technical Project Management
• Technical Documentation
• U.S. Citizenship

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Systems Integration
• Prototyping
• Technical Assessments
• Debugging
• Test Execution
• Technical Risk Management
• Technical Presentations
• Generative AI Tools
• Laboratory Validation
• Field Evaluations

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication Skills
• Team Collaboration
• Mentoring
• Self‑Motivated
• Fast Learner

Certifications & Qualifications

• TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

• National Security
• Technical Risk
• Integration Challenges
• Customer Engagement
• Concept Development