Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer

Job Description

This Systems Engineer role focuses on the design, integration, implementation, and lifecycle management of physical security and industrial control systems for regulated and mission-critical environments. You will combine systems engineering, project support, system integration, technical documentation, and customer interaction to deliver highly reliable, on-premises solutions operating on secure, closed networks. The position emphasizes physical access control and intrusion detection systems using camera equipment and door access devices, rather than IT, cyber security, or cloud-based systems. This is an excellent opportunity to grow and expand your experience in a niche field, with training support provided for nuclear-specific regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering projects through the full lifecycle, including requirements gathering, system design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and ongoing support.
• Attend customer meetings and technical reviews to understand needs and translate customer requirements into practical, integrated system solutions.
• Design and integrate hardware, software, networking, and field equipment into complete system architectures for physical security and industrial control systems.
• Create and maintain detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, network layouts, and comprehensive system documentation.
• Author technical proposals, test procedures, user guides, administrator guides, and other project documentation to support system implementation and maintenance.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support servers, workstations, networking equipment, cameras, access control devices, and other peripheral equipment.
• Assist with installation oversight, including coordination with field teams, ensuring proper system setup, and verifying that installations meet design specifications.
• Perform system testing, commissioning, and issue resolution to ensure reliable operation in regulated and mission-critical environments.
• Support system upgrades, modifications, and lifecycle management activities to maintain and improve system performance over time.
• Work independently while coordinating effectively with customers, vendors, and internal project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Participate in system integration activities involving physical access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, and industrial control components.
• Contribute to the assembly and integration of servers, workstations, network switches, cameras, and I/O equipment when needed.
• Maintain accurate records of configurations, changes, and test results to support traceability and compliance requirements.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites for meetings, site walkdowns, testing, implementation support, and commissioning activities.

Essential Skills

• Basic understanding of electrical and electronic systems.
• Ability to support engineering projects throughout the complete project lifecycle, from requirements through commissioning and support.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, software, and operating systems.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate technical documentation.
• Ability to read and develop schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Understanding of system integration concepts and the ability to assemble multiple technologies into a complete, functioning solution.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP addressing and subnetting.
• Understanding of routing principles and their application in secure, on-premises networks.
• Familiarity with firewalls and basic network security concepts.
• Knowledge of VLANs and virtual networking concepts.
• Strong organizational and self-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and independently identify priorities.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and a strong willingness to learn new technologies.
• Interest or experience in physical access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, or industrial automation systems.
• Comfort working in regulated and mission-critical environments that require high reliability and strict adherence to procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD, Visio, MicroStation, or similar CAD tools for creating schematics and layouts.
• Experience with firmware, embedded systems, or hardware/software integration.
• Hands-on experience assembling and integrating servers, workstations, network switches, cameras, and I/O equipment.
• Knowledge of access control systems, including door access devices and related field hardware.
• Knowledge of intrusion detection systems and video surveillance solutions.
• Experience working in regulated or highly controlled environments, such as critical infrastructure or industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with Windows operating systems in engineering or operational environments.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and their use in embedded or server applications.
• Previous experience in systems integration, security systems, industrial controls, building automation, or related industries.
• Experience with C, C++, or Python programming languages.
• Experience with QNX or similar real-time or embedded operating systems.
• Experience with technical writing and documentation, including user guides, administrator guides, and test procedures.
• Expereince or interest in building automation, controls, and related technologies.
• Willingness to learn nuclear-specific regulations and standards, with training support provided.
• Motivation to develop expertise in a niche field within physical security and industrial control systems.

Work Environment

This role primarily supports secure, on-premises systems operating on closed networks with no cloud connectivity or Internet access, focusing on mission-critical and regulated environments. The team is small and collaborative, with approximately seven colleagues handling their own design, testing, and assembly activities at facilities in the Severna Park and Millersville area. You will work closely with engineering and project teams to design, test, and assemble physical security and industrial control systems that incorporate camera equipment, door access devices, servers, workstations, and networking equipment. The environment emphasizes hands-on work with hardware and field equipment, as well as detailed technical documentation and system integration tasks. Occasional travel is required for customer site visits, including meetings, site walkdowns, testing, and implementation support. The culture supports professional growth in a niche field, with training provided on nuclear-specific regulations and a strong focus on reliability, safety, and high-quality engineering practices.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Severna Park, MD.

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $62.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Severna Park,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.