Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer - UAV Programs

Job Description

This role focuses on systems engineering for ongoing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) projects, using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to define and model system architectures and requirements. You will collaborate closely with customers, program management, engineering, production, and operations to ensure that all project requirements and artifacts are accurately captured, modeled, verified, and communicated. The position requires proven systems engineering experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with project and customer teams of varying sizes in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers, program managers, engineering, production, and operations to understand and refine customer requirements for UAV systems.
• Develop system designs using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo or similar platforms.
• Define and model system architectures with a strong working knowledge of SysML.
• Create clear, traceable system-level and subsystem-level requirements, including system bounds, capabilities, and functional features.
• Coordinate with cross-discipline team members to ensure that the implemented design aligns with the intended system design and architecture.
• Monitor and manage full system-level requirements for the overall built system and ensure that the system meets the intended performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Plan, monitor, and manage validation and verification activities for requirements at both the system and subsystem levels.
• Contribute to software architecture and functional modeling efforts to support integrated system design.
• Write detailed technical requirements and associated documentation to support development, testing, and certification activities.
• Support efforts related to reliability, airworthiness, and safety for defense and aviation applications, particularly for UAV platforms.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, and design decisions clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders and customer teams.
• Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner while managing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Adapt to a broad range of responsibilities in a smaller organization where team members often contribute across multiple functions.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of experience in systems engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Proven experience as an all-around systems engineer with exposure to software architecture, functional modeling, writing requirements, and verification activities.
• Experience developing system designs using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools, such as Cameo Systems Modeler or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of SysML for modeling system architectures and behaviors.
• Demonstrated ability to create and manage system and subsystem requirements, including defining system boundaries, capabilities, and functional features.
• Experience monitoring and managing validation and verification of requirements at system and subsystem levels.
• Eligibility to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with project teams and customer groups of various sizes.
• Ability to complete tasks on schedule and manage workload in a structured, professional manner.
• Adaptability and willingness to handle a variety of responsibilities in a smaller company environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler specifically, or comparable MBSE tools, is highly helpful.
• Expereince in defense or aviation projects, particularly involving UAVs, is a strong plus.
• Experience with reliability engineering is helpful.
• Familiarity with concepts related to airworthiness and safety in aerospace or defense systems is beneficial.
• Experience working on subsystem-level design and integration for complex systems is advantageous.
• Interest in working within a growing organization that offers strong opportunities for upward mobility.
• Motivation to contribute in an environment where leadership maintains hands-on technical involvement.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site in a manufacturing-oriented environment within a small organization that includes a team of approximately three other systems engineers. You will work standard daytime hours, Monday through Friday, for 8 hours per day (40 hours per week). The culture emphasizes a great working environment with understanding and technically capable leadership, where management remains hands-on and engaged in the engineering work. The company is growing and offers solid benefits, a stable pay structure, and meaningful opportunities for career advancement, particularly for professionals who enjoy working closely with cutting-edge drone technology in a collaborative, team-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

3 weeks PTO, 10 holidays, and PTO - tuition assistance - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama insurance - 2 plans - hospitalization coverage - vision - death benefits - short and long term - 401k match up to 5% on first payroll - bonuses

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.