Research and Development Systems Engineer

Penn State University•Benner Township, PA

22h•$86,300 - $164,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a highly motivated and self-starting Systems Engineer to join its Mission Systems (MS) Department. The MS Department focuses on serving as the nexus between technology and operations, leading multidisciplinary initiatives to transform operational capabilities and deliver integrated solutions to complex, real-world challenges. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner. This role involves defining and developing system architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems using systems engineering principles, applying modular design approaches, and developing architectural frameworks, interface definitions, and integration strategies. Responsibilities include leading requirements analysis, conducting trade studies, creating system architecture documentation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting verification and validation planning. Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers, monitoring funding and budgets, independent work on complex assignments, and leading external communications and technical exchanges. The position requires periodic travel to remote locations. The working location is on-site in State College, PA, with potential for hybrid work based on project needs.

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
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
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional)
5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional)
Must be a U.S. citizen
Ability to obtain a government security clearance
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen

Nice To Haves

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
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
May be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility

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