Model-Based Systems Engineer

We are searching for highly motivated Systems Engineers with experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to join our Systems Engineering Department in the Undersea Systems Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will contribute across the full system lifecycle—from concept development through design, test, production, and sustainment.

USO designs, develops, validates, and maintains a suite of large-scale undersea warfare models and simulations used by technology developers, analysts, the Navy, and its allies. We serve as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars. We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Apply MBSE methods and SysML-based modeling to define and analyze system architectures
• Develop and maintain system models using tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Capella, or Enterprise Architect
• Translate stakeholder needs into formal models, interface definitions, and verification artifacts
• Maintain requirements and architecture traceability across design and test activities
• Support technical reviews, trade studies, and risk assessments using model-based artifacts
• Integrate MBSE practices into existing engineering processes and collaborate with subject-matter experts
• Prepare and present architecture views, behavior models, and related technical documentation
• Support system development activities including requirements analysis, architecture development, alternatives analysis, system decomposition, detailed design, integration, and verification
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering and Subsystem Design teams on undersea system architectures
• Engage regularly with engineering teams, program management, sponsors, and stakeholders

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Provide technical leadership in MBSE development, training, and best practices
• Contribute to or lead technical proposals and white papers

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with MBSE frameworks (SysML, DoDAF, UAF, or similar)
• MBSE toolset (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, Capella)
• Systems engineering fundamentals including requirements, architecture, integration, and verification/validation
• Maintaining traceability between requirements, design artifacts, and test plans
• Applying digital engineering methods and MBSE to complex systems
• Developing system models, modeling frameworks, templates, and MBSE processes, with emphasis on vehicle/system design
• Leading technical teams or project activities
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Qualifications

Minimum education and experience requirements vary by position level:

• R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 14+ years of relevant experience
• R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 5+ years of relevant experience
• R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Implementing digital engineering strategies or integrated toolchains
• Scripting languages (Python, JavaScript, etc.) for automating model workflows or data exchange
• Simulation environments, system-of-systems modeling, or model integration
• Configuration management for model-based artifacts
• CATIA MagicDraw/Cameo, System Composer, or Sparx Enterprise Architect
• SysML v2, UAF 1.2/1.3, AADL, BPMN, or related languages
• SIL/HIL or digital twin approaches
• Past success developing unmanned underwater systems
• Department of Defense and Navy systems engineering practices
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher

Schedule

Your working location can be fully on-site to start for training in State College, PA, and then transition to a hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.