Research and Development Systems Engineer
About the role
The MS Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a highly motivated and self-starting Systems Engineer to serve as a Lead Test and Evaluation Engineer. The position involves leading, managing, testing, and evaluating activities for advanced and complex systems, engaging and collaborating with project sponsors and stakeholders, and supporting analysis of alternative solutions.
Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, test, and evaluate activities for advanced and complex systems
- Engage and collaborate independently with project sponsors and organizational stakeholders to understand requirements, align objectives, and ensure project success
- Plan, coordinate, and execute flight test programs and campaigns
- Develop test plans, procedures, and evaluation criteria for complex systems
- Support analysis of alternative solutions, gaps analysis, and trade-space analysis
- Evaluate and ensure validation of system requirements with test objectives
- Career advancement responsibilities include indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers, monitoring and tracking of funding and budgets, and lead communications with external audiences for scheduling, coordination, and business purposes
- Represent the organization in technical exchanges and program reviews
Requirements
- Technical background in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
- 15+ years of experience managing or supervising flight tests for advanced and complex systems
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex test programs from concept through completion
- Test and evaluation of complex systems utilized by the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense
- Past success effectively coordinating and collaborating with diverse project sponsors and organizational stakeholders
- Developing and maintaining a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives
- Past success in writing white papers and proposals to pursue projects
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
- Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
- 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
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Modeling & Simulation as applied to test and evaluation
- Past success with Mission Engineering, Concepts of Operations, and other related technologies
- Data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and telemetry
- Model Based Systems Engineering training and experience
- Systems engineering fundamentals and project management methodologies
- MATLAB, data analysis tools, or systems modeling software
- Previous success in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
Benefits
- Salary range: $140,004.00 - $265,704.00
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
- 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children
Pay
$140,004.00 - $265,704.00
Schedule
Reston, VA, with options for hybrid of on-site and work from home based on project-dependent ability. Periodic travel to remote locations is required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional: 19+ years of relevant experience
- Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional: 14+ years of relevant experience
Skills
- Technical background in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
- 15+ years of experience managing or supervising flight tests for advanced and complex systems
- Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex test programs from concept through completion
- Test and evaluation of complex systems utilized by the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense
- Past success effectively coordinating and collaborating with diverse project sponsors and organizational stakeholders
- Developing and maintaining a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives
- Past success in writing white papers and proposals to pursue projects
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
- Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
- 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
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, spouses, and children
Contact
To learn more about the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and its mission, visit www.arl.psu.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Background Checks/Clearances
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.
Notice Regarding Employment at ARL
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.
For Further Information
For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.