Systems Engineer
The Systems Engineer at Confidential Client supports U.S. Navy surface ships by providing engineering, technical, logistics, and obsolescence support for Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical propulsion systems. This role involves system design, integration, troubleshooting, software development, and test support both in industrial and shipboard environments, requiring travel and physical capability to work in naval settings. The position demands collaboration within integrated teams to ensure effective modernization and maintenance of naval systems.
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, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Summary
Confidential Client is hiring a Systems Engineer to support naval surface ship systems (Hull, Mechanical & Electrical propulsion and associated control systems). This full-time role is based in William Penn Annex East, PA and includes ~10–20% travel to fleet and engineering sites (typical locations: Norfolk VA, San Diego CA, Mayport FL, Seattle WA). Work will include engineering, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation for fielded and future Machinery Control Systems (MCS) and related hardware/software.
What You’ll Do / Responsibilities
- Provide engineering and design support for equipment integration in industrial and shipboard environments
- Contribute technical input to the design of future MCS systems and subsystems
- Develop, derive, and refine system and software requirements for fielded and future systems
- Troubleshoot complex problems in microprocessor- and PLC-based fielded systems
- Review and maintain technical documentation for both fielded and future systems
- Provide test support at Land Based Engineering Sites (LBES) and support shipboard SW & HW installation during modernization availabilities
- Develop and execute test procedures that exercise system requirements
- Design, develop, test, install, and maintain MCS software and supporting software products
- Identify, document, and resolve software/system problems through debugging, research, and investigation
- Produce and maintain user manuals, product specifications, and other technical documentation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering preferred) — candidates must provide proof of degree prior to start
- 0–3 years of relevant professional experience (recent graduates with internships/co-ops encouraged)
- U.S. citizenship and active DoD Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain one
- Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one upon hire
- Ability to travel ~10–20% (1–2 week trips common; occasional shorter emergent trips)
- Ability to meet physical requirements for shipboard and naval industrial environments (standing/walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, confined-space work, manual dexterity, lifting up to ~50 lbs, etc.). Reasonable accommodations may be available.
Desired Qualifications & Skills
- Knowledge of industrial control systems fundamentals and practices
- Proficiency reading electrical diagrams and using test and diagnostic tools for industrial control systems
- Basic network troubleshooting knowledge (TCP/IP, UDP) and experience with networked IP-based systems
- Familiarity with Rockwell, Siemens, or other PLC systems
- Experience upgrading legacy embedded hardware platforms, and with VME systems is a plus
- Basic technical writing ability and strong teamwork/communication skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to complete tasks efficiently
Travel & Work Environment
- Typical travel: 10–20% to naval bases and engineering sites (Norfolk, San Diego, Mayport, Seattle, etc.)
- Work will include both office/bench testing at Land Based Engineering Sites and shipboard/industrial environments. Candidates must be prepared for the physical and safety requirements of shipboard work.
Compensation & Benefits
- Posted Salary Range: USD $71,800 - USD $112,150 per year (full-time basis)
- Confidential Client offers benefits that may include health, life, disability, retirement, paid leave, professional development and tuition assistance. Final compensation will be based on education, experience, location, clearance level, and other factors.
Why Join
- Work on mission-critical naval engineering projects that directly support fleet readiness and modernization.
- Collaborative environment with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful technical solutions.
Legal & Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please request it.
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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