Systems Engineer

Job Title

We're building a maritime manufacturing systems engineering capability supporting products from prototype builds through full-rate manufacturing. This person will partner with our site in California that functions as a development "proto-factory", standing up equipment and machining capability, proving out processes, and generating the learning needed to scale manufacturing to a larger shipyard environment. This role is focused on the front-end "V" of systems engineering: requirements definition, traceability, and baseline control, tightly integrated with the verification/testing side so development and acceptance testing stays aligned to what was intended.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage the requirements database ensuring each requirement is clear, correct, unambiguous, verifiable, and uniquely identified.
• Strengthen and revamp existing baselines across multiple product streams; identify gaps, remove ambiguity, and improve testability.
• Drive requirements writing using strong systems engineering practices (e.g., measurable "shall" statements, defined verification methods, minimal coupling, atomic requirements).
• Maintain end-to-end traceability from top-level/customer needs through subsystem/component requirements.
• Work directly with test/verification stakeholders to define and document verification methods for every requirement in a Verification Cross-Reference Matrix (VCRM) / Requirements Traceability & Verification Matrix.
• Ensure requirements remain aligned as development progresses through integration, verification of materials/coupons, and equipment acceptance testing.
• Manage and control changes to the requirements baseline using a formal change management process.
• Represent requirements discipline in technical reviews and change control boards (CCBs) as needed.
• Publish and release updated requirements sets to stakeholders with clear versioning, revision history, and rationale.
• Operate comfortably with modern engineering tooling and workflows (requirements tools, collaboration suites, versioning, structured reviews).
• Work effectively in a software-forward environment with exposure to: Cloud/terminal workflows - Data analysis across engineering toolchains - AI-enabled tools for productivity and engineering support (prompting, summarization, analysis, automation)

Skills

requirements definition, design, traceability, incose, Verification Cross-Reference Matrix, VCRM, manufacturing, shipbuilding

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $90.00/hr. 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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.