Systems Engineer

POSITION SPECIFICS

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. This department's focus is on tailoring and on 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.

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. 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.

You will:

• 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 includes:

• 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 that extends knowledge and understanding
• Propose and lead new initiatives; guide programs of national or international significance; identify future problems, research trends, and opportunities

Required skills/experience areas include:

• 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

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

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

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Our values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.

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