Freelance Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Utah

The Systems Engineer works within Quality Electrical Systems' Systems Engineering and Research and Development function and reports directly to the Systems Manager. This role is responsible for executing formal systems engineering practices across active engineering projects, including requirements capture, architectural documentation, and design traceability.

The Systems Engineer serves as a hands-on technical contributor to new product development initiatives spanning electrical, mechanical, and HVAC disciplines. Working closely with the Systems Manager, R and D engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders, this individual helps ensure projects are properly defined, documented, and executed in accordance with QES's structured systems engineering framework before detailed design work begins.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to build a strong foundation in formal systems engineering within a dynamic, product-focused engineering and manufacturing environment.

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Key Responsibilities

Apply SPICE-based (or equivalent) systems engineering methodologies on assigned QES projects, including E-Houses, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drive (VFD) panels, and power distribution center (PDC) structures.

Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation throughout the project lifecycle, including:

SYS 1 – Stakeholder Requirements

SYS 2 – System Requirements

SYS 3 – System Architecture

SYS 4 – Integration and Validation

Capture, structure, and baseline system-level requirements prior to detailed design activities to ensure scope clarity before engineering resources are committed.

Develop and maintain requirements traceability matrices that connect customer inputs to design artifacts, test plans, and delivery documentation.

Organize and maintain project documentation within the systems engineering SharePoint repository, following established document control and version management practices.

Requirements Capture and Stakeholder Interface

Participate in pre-purchase order (Pre-PO) and early project phases alongside the Systems Manager to capture and formalize customer and stakeholder requirements.

Translate ambiguous RFIs, proposals, and customer inputs into structured, traceable engineering specifications.

Assist in defining and enforcing front-end project gates to prevent scope ambiguity from reaching detailed design and manufacturing.

Coordinate with Sales, Project Management, and Engineering teams to align documented requirements with project milestones and production schedules.

Contribute to structured RandD project initiation by helping define scope, objectives, and technical requirements before design work begins.

Support development of proprietary QES product lines, including custom HVAC systems, electrical enclosures, and next-generation E-House configurations.

Assist with UL certification activities, AHRI performance testing, and other regulatory or certification requirements for new product releases.

Requirements documents

Design specifications

Engineering documentation maintained in PDM and SharePoint systems

Identify and communicate process gaps that contribute to rework, schedule overruns, or quality escapes within systems engineering and R and D activities.

Product architecture templates

Contribute to engineering sprint discipline by maintaining a visible task backlog, proactively reporting status, and escalating blockers to the Systems Manager.

Build and improve the internal engineering knowledge base by documenting lessons learned, design decisions, and process artifacts.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering efficiency, product quality, and project execution.

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Knowledge and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Foundational knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, including SPICE, A-SPICE, the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, or equivalent structured product development methodologies.

Ability to capture and document ambiguous customer requirements and convert them into structured, traceable engineering specifications.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations teams.

Detail-oriented approach to technical documentation, version control, and engineering deliverables.

Experience with industrial electrical systems, switchgear, custom enclosures, HVAC equipment, or Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing environments.

Familiarity with UL and NEMA certification processes and regulatory submission workflows for electrical or HVAC products.

Proficiency with SolidWorks PDM, SharePoint, or equivalent document and data management systems.

Exposure to A-SPICE, ISO 15288, or similar formal systems engineering standards.

Experience supporting R and D projects, including requirements scoping, feasibility analysis, or prototype documentation.

One to three years of relevant engineering experience in a product development or manufacturing environment preferred.

Recent graduates with strong academic backgrounds in systems engineering are encouraged to apply.

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Systems Engineering and Technical Skills

Requirements Management and Traceability

Technical Documentation and Configuration Management

Engineering Standards and Compliance Awareness

Problem Solving and Analysis

Analytical Thinking

Root Cause Analysis

Systems Thinking

Critical Thinking

Process Improvement

Communication and Collaboration

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technical Communication

Stakeholder Management

Presentation and Documentation Skills

Organization and Time Management

Attention to Detail

Accountability and Ownership

Adaptability and Flexibility

Continuous Learning Mindset

Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment

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401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA, HRA, and FSA options

Additional voluntary benefit options available

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At Quality Electrical Systems, you'll work in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment where quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement are highly valued. This role offers hands-on experience working with Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Quality teams on real-world projects that directly impact operations and customers.

QES provides opportunities to grow professionally, improve engineering processes, and contribute to meaningful projects while being part of a team focused on innovation, accountability, and problem-solving. The Systems Engineer role is an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in formal systems engineering while supporting the development of next-generation electrical and mechanical products.