Systems Integration And Test Engineer

Job Title: Ground Systems Test & Integration Engineer (Level 3 or 4) Job Description
This role focuses on leading the test and integration of next-generation satellite ground mission planning systems for a major defense and space program in Colorado Springs, CO. You will provide technical direction for key portions of ground system software development, working in an agile environment to analyze requirements, support system architecture and design, perform integration and test, and verify that complex satellite ground systems meet stringent customer requirements. The position offers a collaborative, mentoring-focused environment with strong opportunities for long-term technical and leadership growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead ground systems test and integration activities for satellite mission planning and operations systems within a major MILSATCOM program.
- Apply an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop, integrate, and verify complex systems and system-of-systems solutions.
- Evaluate customer and operational needs to define and coordinate system performance requirements and ensure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
- Perform requirements decomposition and verification, including analysis of system and subsystem requirements and interface design documents.
- Support the development and evolution of ground systems architecture and design to ensure that the ground segment satisfies customer intent and mission objectives.
- Develop, maintain, and improve processes, tools, and practices for requirements management, including planning, organization, implementation, and monitoring.
- Perform analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory and certification needs, and product assurance to support mission success.
- Support the integration and test of ground segment operational products, from individual components through larger functional systems.
- Develop, execute, and document system integration and test plans, procedures, and reports for factory, site, and customer testing.
- Lead test entrance and exit reviews, ensuring that test readiness, execution, and completion criteria are clearly defined and met.
- Manage all aspects of test activities including test definition, test execution, verification traceability, and coordination with unit, factory, and site testing.
- Collaborate closely with system engineers, analysts, software developers, and other members of the integrated product team to resolve cross-functional technical issues.
- Work directly with customers and operators to define functional and performance requirements, software interfaces, use cases, and user stories.
- Support the development of complex system-level operational threads required to run missions in space using satellite ground systems.
- Contribute to and lead the technical content of system technical documents and present at major program reviews.
- Collaborate with supplier and contractor software, systems engineering, and test teams on requirements generation, verification, and support to delivered systems.
- Utilize agile development tools and practices, including Atlassian Jira, to coordinate work, track progress, and support iterative development and test.
- Participate in and support formal qualification activities for ground system software and integrated systems.
- Continuously identify and implement improvements in integration, test, and requirements processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and maintainability.
Essential Skills
- Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, with eligibility based on U.S. citizenship and an investigation active within the last 24 months.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or a non-U.S. equivalent qualification directly related to the work.
- 3+ years of engineering experience in a relevant discipline.
- Hands-on experience in software systems engineering or test, including integration and verification of complex systems.
- Experience in ground system engineering, software integration and test, and formal qualification activities.
- Demonstrated experience in requirements decomposition and verification for complex systems.
- Experience in all aspects of test management, including test definition, test execution, verification traceability, and coordination of unit, factory, and site customer testing.
- Ability to work effectively with system engineers, analysts, software developers, and other members of an integrated product team.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting technical content and leading the development of system technical documents.
- Strong understanding of version control practices and system quality attributes such as testability, portability, and maintainability.
- Experience collaborating in an agile software development environment.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically as needed to support program activities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 3+ years of related engineering experience in satellite ground systems, MILSATCOM, or similar domains.
- Bachelors degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
- Experience with satellite ground systems and satellite operations domains, including mission planning and operations.
- Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems and operational knowledge of key MILSATCOM architectures.
- Experience with Model-Based Engineering across the development lifecycle.
- Experience collaborating with developers using agile development tools and practices, including Atlassian Jira.
- Familiarity with system integration and test processes, methods, and execution for complex ground systems.
- Knowledge of orbital dynamics, RF communications, satellite links, transponder loading, and military communication architectures.
- Experience with satellite bus and payload resource management.
- Background in ground systems integration and test engineering, including system integration of operational products.
- Experience with scripting or software tools such as Python and Bash to support test automation, data analysis, or integration activities.
- Familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes.
- Ability to lead and mentor others in test and integration best practices in a collaborative environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a self-driven, collaborative, and team-oriented environment.
Work Environment
This role is 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO, working within a defense and space-focused environment dedicated to satellite ground mission planning and operations. You will operate in a professional yet collaborative setting that emphasizes innovation, mentorship, and long-term career development in both technical and leadership paths. The team uses modern agile development practices and tools, including Atlassian Jira, and works closely with system engineering, software development, and test organizations as well as external suppliers and contractors. The work involves hands-on system integration and test of ground segment operational products, participation in formal reviews, and close coordination with customer and user communities. The environment is structured, mission-focused, and highly collaborative, with expectations for onsite presence to support integration labs, test events, and direct interaction with cross-functional teams.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/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 Colorado Springs,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.

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