Systems Engineer
The Systems Engineer role at Confidential Client supports U.S. Navy surface ships by providing engineering, technical, and logistics expertise focused on Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical Propulsion Systems. Responsibilities include system design, integration, troubleshooting, software development, and test support in both shipboard and industrial environments, requiring collaboration with naval engineering teams and adherence to security and physical requirements. This position demands a strong foundation in control systems, software and hardware installation, and the ability to work in challenging naval settings with travel commitments.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense & Government Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client (Defense & Government Engineering) is hiring Systems Engineers to support naval surface ship systems and equipment, with a focus on Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) propulsion and related control systems. Multiple levels are open (Entry, Mid, Senior). These roles support engineering, integration, test, installation, and sustainment for in-service and new-construction platforms. Work includes shipboard and land-based engineering support and may require travel and DoD clearance.
What You’ll Do
- Provide design and integration support for equipment in industrial and shipboard environments.
- Contribute technical input for future Marine Control Systems (MCS) designs.
- Develop, derive, and refine system and software requirements for fielded and future systems.
- Troubleshoot complex issues in fielded systems, including microprocessor- and PLC-based control systems.
- Review technical documentation and provide test support at Land Based Engineering Sites (LBES).
- Support shipboard software and hardware installations during modernization availabilities.
- Develop and execute test procedures to validate system and software requirements.
- Design, develop, test, install, and maintain MCS software and supporting software products.
- Identify, document, and resolve software- and system-related problems through debugging, research, and investigation.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation, including user manuals and product specifications.
Required Qualifications
Note: candidates should indicate which level they are applying for (Entry / Mid / Senior).
Entry Level
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering preferred).
- 0–3 years of professional experience.
- Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain one.
- Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one upon employment.
- Ability to travel approximately 10–20% of the time.
- Salary Range: USD $71,800 - $112,150 per year.
Mid Level
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering preferred).
- 3+ years of professional experience.
- Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain one.
- Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one upon employment.
- Ability to travel approximately 10–20% of the time.
- Salary Range: USD $78,900 - $123,300 per year.
Senior Level
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering (preferred).
- 10+ years of professional experience.
- Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain/maintain one.
- Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one upon employment.
- Ability to travel approximately 10–20% of the time.
- Salary Range: USD $95,500 - $149,200 per year.
Physical Requirements
- Must be capable of standing and walking for extended periods on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces and able to climb ladders, stairs, and steep inclines while carrying tools or equipment.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, including crawling through narrow passageways and working overhead or below-deck.
- Manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools and handle materials up to ~50 lbs regularly (occasional heavier lifting with assistance).
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead repeatedly; adequate vision and hearing for safety-critical tasks.
- Capacity to work in varying environmental conditions (temperature extremes, high humidity, weather exposure).
- Reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge of industrial control systems concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Proficiency reading electrical diagrams.
- Experience using test and diagnostic tools for industrial control systems.
- Basic network troubleshooting knowledge (TCP/IP, UDP).
- Experience with Rockwell, Siemens, or other PLC systems.
- Experience upgrading legacy embedded hardware platforms and working with VME systems.
- Basic technical writing ability and effective communication in integrated teams.
- Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills.
Compensation & Benefits
- The position is full-time. Projected compensation is influenced by level, experience, clearance, and contract requirements.
- Posted salary ranges by level are listed above. Overall range across levels: USD $71,800 – $149,200 / Yr.
- Benefits typically include health, life, disability, retirement, paid leave, professional development and tuition assistance, and other wellness programs (eligibility may depend on hours worked and employment type).
- Employment is contingent on contract requirements, clearances, and successful completion of background checks where applicable.
Location & Work Model
- Authoritative location for this posting: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
- Worksite may include shipboard, pierside, lab, and land-based engineering sites. Remote/hybrid arrangements are subject to government and contract requirements.
Compliance & Legal
- Employment contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S., ability to obtain/maintain required clearances, and meeting physical requirements for naval industrial environments where applicable.
- Confidential Client and Careertakes comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Why Work with Confidential Client
- Contribute to mission-critical naval engineering and sustainment work with a team focused on technical excellence and national security impact.
- Opportunities for career growth, continuous learning, and cross-discipline collaboration within defense and government engineering programs.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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