System Security Engineer

Job Title: System Security Engineer

Job Description

The System Security Engineer will serve as the lead systems security authority for a complex Department of Defense acquisition program, working closely with the Vehicle Program Management Office to manage and integrate all aspects of systems security across the full program lifecycle. This position emphasizes systems engineering first, with applied cybersecurity responsibilities spanning requirements definition, architecture and design, integration, fielding, and sustainment. The engineer will ensure the program is appropriately postured across multiple security pillars, not limited to cybersecurity, and will provide clear, actionable insight into security risk and mitigation strategies for program leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems security engineering activities for a major DoD acquisition program across the full lifecycle, from concept through fielding and sustainment.
• Serve as the primary systems security authority, ensuring security is integrated into requirements, architecture, design, integration, test, and sustainment activities.
• Develop, own, and execute the Program Protection Plan (PPP), driving security decisions that influence system architecture, supplier selection, and lifecycle risk posture.
• Apply systems engineering principles to define, trace, and validate security requirements across hardware, software, and mission systems.
• Manage and integrate all aspects of systems security, including but not limited to cybersecurity, supply chain risk, hardware assurance, and software assurance considerations.
• Assess system‑level cybersecurity and cyber survivability in accordance with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and other applicable DoD guidance.
• Perform program‑level risk analysis, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate security controls and mitigations.
• Evaluate and mitigate supply chain risks associated with vendors, components, and mission systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams, vendors, and program stakeholders to ensure security requirements are understood, implemented, and verified.
• Act as an independent authority on security risk, constructively challenging assumptions and design decisions to improve overall system protection.
• Provide the Program Management Office with clear, concise, and actionable insight into security risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation strategies.
• Support direct engagement with Government customers and program offices in a high‑visibility role, including briefings and technical discussions.
• Prepare and deliver high‑quality written documentation, reports, and presentations on systems security posture, plans, and risk assessments.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while tactfully managing competing program demands and priorities.
• Contribute subject matter expertise at the intersection of systems engineering, cybersecurity, and program protection to ensure mission‑critical systems are effectively protected.

Essential Skills

• System security engineering experience supporting Department of Defense acquisition programs.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes across the full system lifecycle, including requirements, architecture, design, integration, test, and sustainment.
• Experience developing, owning, and executing a Program Protection Plan (PPP) for complex systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity within mission systems, including the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and system‑level cyber survivability.
• Experience assessing and mitigating supply chain risk at the program and system levels.
• Ability to perform program‑level risk analysis and recommend appropriate security controls and mitigations.
• Experience working directly with a Program Management Office (PMO) or Government customer.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or cybersecurity.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years focused specifically on cybersecurity.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition lifecycles and associated processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing complex tasks and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to tactfully manage competing program demands and stakeholder expectations.
• Proven ability to support Government customers in high‑visibility roles.
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CISSP‑ISSEP certification or similar advanced security engineering credential.
• Experience with vehicle, mission systems, or C5ISR platforms.
• Familiarity with AR 70‑77 (Technology and Program Protection) and related DoD program protection policies.
• Experience in hardware assurance and software assurance, including techniques to detect and mitigate tampering or malicious functionality.
• 20 years of experience in systems security or cybersecurity for highly complex systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, on‑site position at a Government client facility in Warren, Michigan, embedded within a DoD acquisition and defense program environment. The role is highly visible and involves frequent interaction with Government program offices, engineering teams, and other stakeholders. The engineer will work in a structured, mission‑focused setting where systems engineering, cybersecurity, and program protection disciplines are central to daily activities. Less than 5% travel is anticipated, allowing for a primarily on‑site presence to support close collaboration, technical reviews, and program decision‑making.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

The pay range for this position is $67.31 - $80.00/hr.

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 fully onsite position in Sterling Heights,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $67 - $80