Systems Engineer - Test and Evaluation

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 focuses on planning and execution of in-water and land-based verification activities across a program’s life cycle, from conceptual design to design verification, system integration, qualification, platform integration, and in-water testing of prototype systems.

This position requires close coordination with ARL Program Management, subsystem leads, program sponsors, and external test and evaluation (T&E) entities in the U.S. government. USO 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. ARL serves as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars, supporting national security and undersea warfare sponsors through development and demonstration of science and technology.

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

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute system-level land-based and in-water T&E across development, integration, and verification phases
• Develop test plans, procedures, and traceability/verification matrices
• Conduct functional, performance, environmental, and integration testing
• Analyze test data, support root-cause investigations, and provide recommendations
• Prepare technical reports, SITREPs, and briefings
• Coordinate test logistics, including hardware/software readiness, range resources, data collection, transportation, and team staffing
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews and post-test out-briefs
• Serve as on-site Test Director for field events and lead small multidisciplinary teams
• Manage test-related risks and develop contingency and casualty procedures
• Participate in test-related working groups

Additional Responsibilities for Higher-Level Positions

• Lead development and fielding of test-related equipment and support systems
• Oversee program-level resource planning and deconfliction
• Develop program-level Requirements Verification Matrices
• Identify test strategies for emerging or novel capabilities
• Support system-of-systems T&E, identify gaps, and propose innovative solutions

Requirements

• Developing and executing test plans and system verification activities
• Strong understanding of systems engineering and V&V principles
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation, data collection, and test equipment
• Ability to assess system performance and communicate findings clearly
• Test documentation and configuration management
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Qualifications

Minimum education and experience requirements vary by position level:

• Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 14+ years of relevant experience
• Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience with automated test systems, data analysis tools, or scripting (Python, MATLAB)
• Background in testing within aerospace, defense, robotics, power systems, or similar domains
• Test range operations, environmental test standards, or compliance frameworks
• Reliability assessments, failure analysis, or Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
• Digital engineering and linking test artifacts to system models/requirements
• Conducting T&E outside controlled laboratory settings
• System or system-of-systems T&E experience in undersea, ground, or air domains
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher

Schedule

Your working location will be fully on-site initially for training in State College, PA, transitioning to a hybrid of on-site and work-from-home based on project needs.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time)
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children

For more detailed information, visit the Benefits Page.

Employment requires successful completion of background checks, eligibility for a government security clearance, participation in the ARL drug testing program, and compliance 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. U.S. citizenship is required to apply.