Research and Development Systems Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

19h•$105,900 - $200,808•Hybrid

About The Position

We are searching for a highly motivated and self-starting Systems Engineer to join our 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. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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 report
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional)
5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional)
Must be a U.S. citizen

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 and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

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
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