Systems Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · University Park, PA · 1 mo ago

On-siteResearch$122k–$266k/yrFull-time

We are searching for highly motivated Systems Engineers to join our Systems Engineering Department in the Undersea Systems Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will support the development of complex physical undersea systems, including advanced vehicles, sensors, and integrated hardware/software technologies for undersea applications. This is not an IT, cloud, or enterprise systems position. This role focuses on traditional systems engineering for defense hardware, spanning concept development, system architecture, subsystem integration, test, and transition to fielded military systems.

The department's focus is on tailoring and applying rigor using the systems engineering process. You will have the opportunity to contribute heavily to physical systems development, from conceptual definition into design, test, then transition into production. The Undersea Systems Office 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

Translate stakeholder needs into system-level requirements and architectures
Perform analysis of alternatives and develop system concepts for hardware-centric undersea platforms and payloads
Conduct system and requirements decomposition, interface definition, and integration planning
Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE), system modeling, and hardware/software integration
Develop verification and validation strategies, test plans, and test procedures for physical prototypes and fielded systems
Participate in and support lab, dockside, and at-sea test events
Collaborate regularly with engineering teams, program sponsors, Navy partners, and program management
Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support lifecycle decision-making

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

Organize and direct a multi-disciplinary and diverse engineering team
Provide technical leadership within the division programs
Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact extending knowledge and understanding
Propose and lead new initiatives; guide programs of national or international significance; identify future problems, research trends, and opportunities

Requirements

Applying systems engineering to complex physical systems, preferably in defense, aerospace, maritime, or robotics domains
Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Past success in writing white papers or reports
Past success in a lead role, organizing, managing, and directing multi-disciplinary teams, while contributing and assisting in project management
Past success while leading or contributing to technical proposals and white papers

Qualifications

Minimum education, work experience, and required certifications vary by position level:

Principal Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience
Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience
Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Skills

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering or related engineering discipline
Unmanned underwater systems development
Hardware integration, prototype testing, or system-level test events
Past success using requirements and MBSE tools (Cameo, DOORS, Jama, etc.)
Working knowledge of DoD acquisition, especially Department of the Navy systems engineering processes
Exposure to environmental qualification, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or embedded system integration
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

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 $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.

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 and substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
Generous 75% tuition discount for employees, as well as eligible spouses and children

For more detailed information, visit the Benefits Page.

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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.