Systems Engineer 5

Engineering

Systems Engineer 5 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA Posted: 9/24/2026

Job Description

Job ID#:

225659

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Shift:

1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer 5, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Job ID#225659

Job Description:

The Mission Systems Multi-Domain Assured Navigation and Timing Applications (MANTA) Systems/Hardware department is looking for a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer, with a passion for engineering, to join the Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) team team to focus on System Engineering, Integration and Testing. The team is responsible for architecting, designing, and developing systems for real-time embedded navigation and timing solutions for military ground, airborne, and maritime applications. This position offers abundant opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of Assured PNT systems architecture, and to apply that knowledge in a team effort to develop our navigation products for the warfighter. The successful candidate will work with external customers and leadership as well as internal systems, software and hardware engineering development teams to integrate navigation products for ground applications.

Our solutions keep the warfighter safe, connected and informed by providing accurate position, navigation, and timing information in contested environments. You will be working in a dynamic, results-oriented team environment with engineers that share your passion for providing cutting edge solutions to today's military.

What You Will Do:

• You will create and maintain system requirements and design documents.

• You will support verification and traceability of the system requirements.

• You will develop verification test procedures and execute procedures in a secure lab.

• You will conduct peer reviews on test procedures & design documentation.

• You will collaborate across teams on program goals.

• You will coordinate communication and status to relevant stakeholders. You will own the development of your design approach through collaboration with subject matter experts.

• You will help drive resolution for technical issues through problem-solving and coordination across impacted teams.

• You will have the opportunity to improve our approaches through sharing lessons learned with the team and department.

• You will contribute to bid/proposal activities during new business pursuits.

Qualifications You Must Have:

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)

and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field

and minimum 3 years of experience

Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance (one will NOT be needed for the work for this role)

Characteristics We Prefer:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Good teamwork skills

• Strong organizational skills

• Attention to detail

• Technical aptitude and professionalism

• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment

• High level of motivation and self-direction

• Comfortable interacting with and presenting to external customers and end-users

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Python scripting experience

• Automated test and test fixture development

• Testing frameworks (Gherkin, Behave, Robot, etc.)

• Networking/protocols/security (IP stack, NTP/PTP, SSL/TLS)

• Prior military experience

• Experience with developing system concept of operations (CONOPS) and use cases

• Experience with system integration and test

• Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously

• Ability to self-start and recognize task needs

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance:

No Clearance

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled