Mission Systems Architect & Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Systems Engineer and System Architect for the Mission Systems Department. The role involves defining architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems, leading requirements analysis, and coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.

Hybrid on-site/work-from-home options exist depending on project needs. We expect 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, strong analytical capabilities, and proven ability to

Qualifications

• 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

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

Skills

Systems engineering

Architectural design

Requirements analysis

Interface management

MBSE

Technical communication

White papers writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

DOORS

Jama

Innoslate

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Systems Engineer and System Architect for the Mission Systems Department. The role involves defining architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems, leading requirements analysis, and coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.

Hybrid on-site/work-from-home options exist depending on project needs. We expect 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, strong analytical capabilities, and proven ability to