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

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

Minimum Education & Experience

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience

If filled as R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications: None

Schedule

Your working location can be fully on-site to start for training located in State College, PA and then 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

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.