Part-Time Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an experienced Systems Engineer in a part-time capacity to serve as a senior advisor on Navy subsurface integration. The role requires translating operational needs into data-driven analytic solutions and collaborating with Navy stakeholders to shape multi-domain concepts.

The position emphasizes modeling, analytics, and engineering integration with ARL researchers, while maintaining awareness of Navy modernization and sponsor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering required.
• 25+ years of senior-level technical, analytic, advisory, and systems engineering experience within Navy or related federal work.
• Proven ability to translate complex Navy requirements into data-driven analytic approaches or models.
• Experience developing analytic tools, models, or workflows to improve decision timeliness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ARL’s primary technical and strategic interface to the Navy for subsurface systems.
• Translate Navy requirements into actionable systems for engineering, modeling, and analytics tasks.
• Advise Navy stakeholders on ARL capabilities in modeling, data analytics, decision support, and systems integration.
• Maintain awareness of Navy modernization efforts and identify opportunities for ARL contributions.
• Collaborate with ARL leadership on tailored technical responses and multi-domain integration concepts.
• Support early shaping of projects by refining questions and aligning data sources.
• Provide guidance on Navy operational context and decision processes.
• Build relationships across Navy analytic communities and capability development enterprises.
• Assist in program development activities, including technical scoping and sponsor briefings.

Skills

Systems thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Analytic modeling

Decision analytics

Forecasting

Automation

Operations research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

TS/SCI clearance

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Your working location will be fully remote; questions related to remote work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to various locations.

We are searching for an experienced Systems Engineer in a part-time capacity at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will serve as a dedicated senior-level advisor to ARL on all aspects of integration with all aspects of U.S. Navy subsurface equities including maintaining continuous engagement with Navy stakeholders and ensuring ARL’s research, capabilities, and technical expertise directly support Naval operations and strategic needs.

This advisor interprets Navy problem sets, identifies technology and analysis gaps, and connects them with ARL researchers to deliver timely, high-value solutions in systems engineering, modeling, analytics, and multi-domain integration.

You will:

• Serve as ARL’s primary technical and strategic interface to the Navy for subsurface systems
• Translate Navy operational and strategic requirements into actionable systems for engineering, modeling, and analytics tasks
• Advise Navy stakeholders on ARL capabilities in modeling, data analytics, decision support, and systems integration
• Maintain awareness of Navy modernization efforts and identify opportunities for ARL technical contributions
• Collaborate with ARL leadership to develop tailored technical responses and multi-domain integration concepts
• Support early shaping of projects by refining questions, aligning data sources, and determining analytic and engineering approaches
• Provide guidance to ARL teams on Navy operational context, decision processes, and constraints
• Build relationships across Navy analytic communities and capability development enterprises
• Assist in program development activities, including technical scoping and sponsor briefings

Required Skills / Experience Areas Include:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering plus at least 25 years of direct related experience in senior level technical, analytic, advisory, and systems engineering positions within the Navy
• Proven success in translating complex operational requirements into data-driven analytic approaches or systems engineering models
• Technical capabilities in systems engineering, decision analytics, forecasting, automation, or operations research
• Demonstrated expertise developing analytic tools, models, or workflows that improve decision timeliness and clarity
• Prior success conducting independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers, sponsors, and national security missions
• Ability to engage senior leaders by presenting clear, actionable analysis
• Ability to navigate multidisciplinary research teams in a fast-moving environment
• Active security clearance, at the TS/SCI level

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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