Research and Development Systems Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · University Park, PA · 3 days ago

On-siteResearch$106k–$201k/yrFull-time

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

About the role

The Systems Engineer will join the Mission Systems (MS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and serve as a Systems Engineer and System Architect. 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.

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

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

Indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers
Monitoring and tracking of funding and budgets
Work independently on complex assignments, review progress, and evaluate results
Lead communications with external audiences for scheduling, coordination, and business purposes
Represent the organization in technical exchanges and program reviews

Requirements

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
Experience with system decomposition, functional analysis, and interface management
System architectures for hardware/software integrated systems (not IT network or enterprise architecture)
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
Past success in writing white papers or reports
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
U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

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
Previous success in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented culture

Education & 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 - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

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

Schedule

This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. 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.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Benefits include:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time
Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

For more detailed information, please visit the Benefits Page.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC).

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.