Systems Engineer Contract Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview:

This role helps lead and organize the Systems Engineering group's efforts for the design and development of wind tunnel testing facilities. This position oversees a team of Systems Engineers responsible for developing, delivering, and managing requirements, interface definitions, verification and validation artifacts, and key systems engineering plans. The role prioritizes system needs across multiple disciplines, manages configuration of system artifacts, and ensures the Systems group's cost and schedule commitments are met. It requires close coordination with Chief Engineers to define execution strategies and to provide mentorship and technical guidance to the engineering team. The ideal candidate brings strong systems engineering expertise, experience guiding complex system development efforts, and the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders. This is a leadership role that combines deep technical expertise, systems thinking, and stakeholder engagement, with accountability for guiding teams through change, risk, and technical decision‑making.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitates design, development, and optimization activities for test facilities for wind tunnel systems. Leading a team of Systems Engineers to develop and deliver requirements, interfaces, verification, and validation artifacts
• Responsible for prioritizing systems needs across multiple disciplines and capabilities
• Configuration management of system artifacts
• Ensure conformance to the System Engineering Management Plan, Interface Control Plan, Configuration Management Plan, and System Verification Plan
• Responsible for cost and schedule estimates and reporting for Systems Engineering
• Drive priorities within Systems Engineering and coordinate with Chief Engineers to define the execution path.
• Provide direct guidance and mentorship for team members

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience:
  • 10+ years overall professional experience

• 5+ years of Systems Engineering experience
• 2+ years of technical leadership experience

• Skills and Competencies:
  • Experience leading system development and management of major design efforts.
  • Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience with system configuration management, including facilitating the change process.
  • Experience developing, decomposing and writing requirements.
  • Familiarity with system modelling and requirements management tools (i.e. Cameo, JAMA, DOORS, etc.)
  • Strong disposition to train, mentor, and support fellow engineers.
• Preferred:
  • Core competency experience in addition to Systems Engineering (Mechanical Design, Aerodynamics, Testing, Analysis, etc.)
  • Proficiency with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo System Modeler, Enterprise Architect, or similar tools).
  • Hands-on experience with test facilities, such as wind tunnels, shock tubes, or combustion testing.
  • Experience with the development and management of system architecture
  • Experience with Systems Engineering on government contracts.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.