Systems Engineer
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Systems Engineer with a strong electrical engineering or physics background for SARA’s Test and Measurement Products team. In this role, the candidate will support product development and commercialization efforts and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.
The Systems Engineer role will bridge high-level technical vision and hands-on execution — taking ambiguous, high-level objectives and translating them into clear requirements, plans, and results. The candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams spanning electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing disciplines, ensuring that systems come together cohesively and meet performance, schedule, and quality goals.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives on ownership: someone comfortable operating with limited direction, who can engage confidently with stakeholders ranging from engineers to executives, and who brings both technical depth and the systems-level perspective needed to keep complex projects on track.
Core Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical authority and product owner for portions of SARA’s commercially available and in-development Test and Measurement Products
- Represent SARA while leading product trainings and presentations for customers
- Regularly communicate with customers
- Develop cost proposals and technical proposals based on customer inquiries
- Lead systems engineering efforts across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and requirements definition through design, integration, verification, and deployment
- Interface with production teams to ensure consistent and quality assembly with continuously updated documentation
- Regularly reflect on marketplace competition and ensure products are technically relevant
- Translate high-level goals and ambiguous problem statements into clear technical requirements, work breakdowns, and execution plans
- Coordinate and align multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, quality) to keep development on schedule and technically coherent
- Own key interfaces and trade-off decisions between subsystems, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk
- Communicate project status, technical risks, and decisions clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of technical background, from engineers to executives
- Drive design reviews, test planning, and verification/validation activities to ensure products meet requirements
- Identify technical risks early and proactively develop mitigation plans
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes
- Design and implement advanced measurement systems, including instrumentation, data acquisition, and sensor interfaces
Technical Expertise:
- Strong grounding in electrical engineering and/or applied physics fundamentals (circuits, signal integrity, electromagnetics, sensors, or similar, depending on domain)
- RF test, design, and analysis experience
- Experience in electrical engineering designing electrical schematics, laying out PCBs, and testing designs
- Extensive experience with electrical test equipment including Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, etc.
- Systems engineering methodology: requirements management, functional/architectural decomposition, interface control, trade studies
- Experience with verification and validation planning (test plans, acceptance criteria, compliance testing)
- Ability to read and contribute to schematics, block diagrams, and system architecture documentation
- Familiarity with risk management frameworks (e.g., FMEA) and design review processes
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards or regulatory requirements (MIL-STD-188-125-1, MIL-Handbook 423)
- Comfortable working across the stack from low-level technical detail to system-level architecture
- Proficient in programming languages such as C++ or python
- Basic Knowledge of networking interfaces and protocols
- Mastery of diagnostic instrumentation and measurement techniques
- Experience with EMC/EMI measurement and mitigation in complex environments
- Focus on high-precision measurement with deep physical insight
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field
- 8 – 10 years of professional experience in systems engineering, hardware/electrical design, or a related engineering discipline
- Demonstrated experience leading or driving product development cycles from concept through delivery
- Proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., mechanical, software, manufacturing, quality)
- Strong track record of translating high-level or ambiguous requirements into actionable technical plans with minimal guidance
- Experience communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders (executives, customers, cross-functional partners)
- Solid foundation in systems-level thinking — requirements definition, trade studies, interface management, or verification/validation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced proficiency with diagnostic equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers)
- Strong data analysis skills using Excel, MATLAB, and Mathcad
- Available for up to 25% travel for on-site testing
- Experience working fast paced, high pressure, and varied test environments
- Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently
- Ability to seek out personnel and lead teams to accomplish tasks
- Strong problem-solving skills with resilience in challenging situations
- Excellent documentation and technical communication abilities
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities from multiple stakeholders in dynamic environments
- Track record of continuous learning and skill development
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
- May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 25 pounds
- Working environment is mostly indoor, moderately loud at times, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 10 – 13 years of relevant experience
- Experience practically applying systems engineering principles on real products.
- Experience owning stakeholder relationships across varying levels of seniority, including executive-level updates while leading projects
- Hands-on experience integrating products with RF, electronic, mechanical, firmware, software, and IT security aspects.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity, with a bias toward proactive ownership rather than waiting for detailed direction
- Active DoD Top Secret or DoE Q clearance
- Demonstrated potential for technical leadership
- Familiarity with electromagnetic modeling tools
- Excellent technical writing skills for customer-facing proposals, project updates, and reports.
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $140,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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