Research and Development Systems Engineer

About the role

We are searching for a highly motivated and self-starting Systems Engineer to join our Mission Systems (MS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and serve as a Systems Engineer and System Architect.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop system architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems using systems engineering principles
• Apply modular design approaches to decompose complex systems into manageable, interoperable subsystems and components
• Develop architectural frameworks, interface definitions, and integration strategies
• Lead requirements analysis, functional decomposition, and allocation across system hierarchies
• Conduct trade studies and alternatives analysis to evaluate architectural approaches
• Create and maintain system architecture documentation including block diagrams, interface control documents, and design specifications
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure architectural integrity throughout system development
• Support verification and validation planning to ensure system architecture meets operational requirements
• Communicate architectural concepts and technical recommendations to stakeholders and project sponsors

Required skills/experience areas

• Technical background in Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing complex systems
• Past success with systems engineering approaches to system architecture and modular design
• System decomposition, functional analysis, and interface management
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across engineering disciplines
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding

Preferred skills/experience areas

• Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) training and experience with tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar
• Department of Defense or Navy systems development programs
• Defense system architectures and standards (e.g., DoDAF, UAF, MODAF)
• Digital engineering practices and tools
• Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Innoslate)
• Open systems architectures and modular open systems approach (MOSA)
• MATLAB, Simulink, or other system modeling and simulation tools

Benefits

• Salary range: $105,900.00 - $200,808.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses and children

Pay

Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Schedule

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• None required

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• None required

Skills

• Technical background in Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing complex systems
• Past success with systems engineering approaches to system architecture and modular design
• System decomposition, functional analysis, and interface management
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across engineering disciplines
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding

Benefits

• Salary range: $105,900.00 - $200,808.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses and children

Pay

Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Schedule

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• None required

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• None required