Research and Development Systems Engineer
Application Instructions
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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
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 Lead Test and Evaluation Engineer.
The MS Department mission is to serve as the nexus between technology and operations, leading multidisciplinary initiatives that transform operational capabilities. Through strong partnerships and trusted stakeholder relationships, we facilitate the delivery of integrated solutions to complex, real-world challenges.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
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
- Cook up and maintain a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives
- Develop and maintain a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives
- 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
- 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
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- 19+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional
- 14+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional
Skills
- Modeling & Simulation as applied to test and evaluation
- 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 which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- Generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses and children
Pay
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.
Schedule
This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
- Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience
- Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience
Contact Information
For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
Background checks/clearances: Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (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.
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.
Salary & Benefits: Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
Campus Security Crime Statistics: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR).
EEO IS THE LAW: 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.