Research and Development Systems Engineer

Penn State University

22h•$123,200 - $219,600•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 Lead Test and Evaluation Engineer. 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 Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
15+ years of experience managing or supervising flight tests for advanced and complex systems
Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex test programs from concept through completion
Test and evaluation of complex systems utilized by the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense
Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
Past success effectively coordinating and collaborating with diverse project sponsors and organizational stakeholders
Developing and maintaining a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives
Past success in writing white papers and proposals to pursue projects
Demonstrated success presenting technical findings to senior leadership and decision-makers
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
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
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional)
14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional)
Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

Modeling & Simulation as applied to test and evaluation
Past success with Mission Engineering, Concepts of Operations, and other related technologies
Data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and telemetry
Model Based Systems Engineering training and experience
Systems engineering fundamentals and project management methodologies
MATLAB, data analysis tools, or systems modeling software
Previous success in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, test, and evaluate activities for advanced and complex systems
Engage and collaborate independently with project sponsors and organizational stakeholders to understand requirements, align objectives, and ensure project success
Plan, coordinate, and execute flight test programs and campaigns
Develop test plans, procedures, and evaluation criteria for complex systems
Support analysis of alternative solutions, gaps analysis, and trade-space analysis
Evaluate and ensure validation of system requirements with test objectives
Coordinate across engineering disciplines with internal and external collaborators
Project management and supervision/mentorship of junior engineers
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