Critical Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are Fseeking a Systems Engineer to support the development, integration, and verification of advanced Heads-Up Display (HUD) technologies for next-generation cockpit applications. This position suits engineers who enjoy working across hardware, software, optical, and human–machine interface domains to deliver complex avionics display solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, and technical documentation for HUD systems.
• Support system architecture development and coordinate cross-discipline design activities across hardware, software, optical, and human–machine interface domains.
• Perform system integration and verification activities in laboratory and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, software, and human-factors teams to ensure HUD performance meets program needs and system-level requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making throughout the system lifecycle.
• Use systems engineering processes to ensure traceability from requirements through integration, verification, and validation.
• Work hands-on with test equipment and integrated hardware to troubleshoot issues and validate system performance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience with avionics, display systems, or electro-optical systems.
• Hands-on experience in a lab environment working with test equipment and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including requirements development, integration, and verification.
• Ability to produce clear, structured technical documentation and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to complex, safety-critical or mission-critical systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HUD technology, optical systems, or cockpit display integration.
• Knowledge of aerospace development standards such as DO-178
• Experience with SysML or Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in design reviews and contribute to risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with optical, electrical, software, and human-factors engineering teams.

Work Environment

The position combines on-site work in laboratory and hardware-in-the-loop environments with remote work as appropriate for documentation, analysis, and design coordination. On-site work involves hands-on use of engineering lab equipment, integration benches, and test systems to support HUD development and verification. The environment is highly collaborative, bringing together systems, optical, electrical, software, and human-factors engineers to deliver advanced cockpit display solutions.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Aurora,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.