Systems Engineer - Test and Evaluation
About The Position
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 position will have opportunities to cover all aspects of 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. 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.
Requirements
- Developing and executing test plans and system verification activities
- Strong understanding of systems engineering and V&V principle
- 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
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- 14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional)
- 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional)
- 2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional)
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 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 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 and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
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
- 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
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
