Senior Defense Systems Architect & MBSE Lead

Penn State University; State College, Northern (Centre County, KY); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Systems Engineer and System Architect to join the Mission Systems Department in State College, PA. The role focuses on designing architectures for complex defense systems, decomposing into interoperable subsystems, and documenting interfaces and designs.

This on-site role includes hybrid work options, DoD security clearance readiness, and opportunities to mentor engineers while advancing system engineering practices across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 5+ years of relevant experience designing and developing complex systems.
• Experience applying systems engineering to architecture and modular design.
• Knowledge of system decomposition and interface management.
• Experience with hardware/software integrated systems (not IT/network).
• Ability to write white papers or reports.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop system architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems.
• Apply modular design to decompose systems into interoperable subsystems.
• Develop architectural frameworks, interface definitions and integration strategies.
• Lead requirements analysis, functional decomposition and allocation.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate architectural approaches.
• Create and maintain system architecture documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to maintain architectural integrity.
• Support verification and validation planning to meet requirements.
• Communicate concepts and recommendations to stakeholders.

Skills

Systems Engineering

5+ years experience

Functional decomposition

Interface management

Written white papers

Communication to stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

MBSE tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Systems Engineer and System Architect to join the Mission Systems Department in State College, PA. The role focuses on designing architectures for complex defense systems, decomposing into interoperable subsystems, and documenting interfaces and designs.

This on-site role includes hybrid work options, DoD security clearance readiness, and opportunities to mentor engineers while advancing system engineering practices across programs.