Research and Development Systems Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 123,200 - 219,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a dedicated Systems Engineer to join the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This role involves leading test and evaluation activities for complex systems, managing multidisciplinary projects, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

With a technical background in engineering and significant experience in flight tests, candidates will utilize their skills to contribute to solutions for real-world challenges. This position offers options for hybrid work and comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience managing or supervising flight tests.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Success in writing proposals and presenting technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate activities for advanced systems.
• Plan and execute flight test programs.
• Coordinate engineering disciplines with collaborators.

Skills

Technical background in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Management of flight tests

Stakeholder relationship management

Project management

Test program execution

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

MATLAB

Data analysis tools

Systems modeling software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

You will:

• 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

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• 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

Required skills/experience areas include:

• 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

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• 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

Your working location Reston, VA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications: None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site 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. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.