Systems Engineer (Hardware)
Engineers in this role lead the integration of hardware, software, and mechanical systems for AI-powered physical products like satellites, autonomous vehicles, and defense platforms. They own system-level architecture, requirements definition, and verification across multiple domains—translating complex operational scenarios into verifiable specifications and ensuring all subsystems work together reliably. Positioned as technical authorities within their organizations, they bridge cross-functional teams including payload specialists, security engineers, and software architects to manage trade-offs and drive systems from concept through deployment and operation.
Skills
What companies are looking for in this role.
Leading end-to-end commissioning lifecycle from factory testing through systems integration and formal turnover
Serving as technical subject matter expert and primary escalation point for complex system issues
Managing and coordinating third-party vendors, contractors, and commissioning agents
Developing and validating test procedures, test scripts, and acceptance criteria
Reviewing technical submittals, shop drawings, and documentation for compliance with specifications
Leading cross-functional integration across hardware, firmware, and software systems
Translating operational requirements and scenarios into verifiable system specifications
Performing factory witness testing and startup validation activities
Defining system architecture and reference designs across multiple technical domains
Documenting test results, deficiencies, and corrective actions with traceability
Designing and implementing automated test frameworks and validation pipelines
Performing link budget calculations and analyzing system-level performance metrics
Developing and maintaining quality control processes and inspection standards
Ensuring compliance with aerospace, defense, and industry standards throughout projects
Debugging and triaging failures across hardware, firmware, and software layers
Modeling and simulating integrated systems behavior and performance
Instrumenting devices and systems using test equipment to characterize performance
Evaluating emerging technologies and conducting industry scanning for next-generation solutions
Designing security architecture and integrating cryptographic and hardening measures into systems
Architecting artificial intelligence and machine learning integration into defense and autonomous systems
Developing automation scripts and control logic for building management and power systems
Creating intuitive user interfaces and human-machine interfaces for complex systems
Collaborating across disciplines to align on system requirements and trade-offs
Communicating technical findings and progress to stakeholders at multiple levels
Tracking and managing open issues through resolution and formal closure
Establishing and managing interface contracts and testable behaviors across teams
Managing technical trade-off analysis and decision documentation
Leading strategic planning and roadmap definition for multi-year programs
Technology
The tools and technologies that define this role.
Open Jobs
15 open Systems Engineer (Hardware) jobs across 5 companies.
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