Systems Engineer - Test and Evaluation

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA is seeking Systems Engineers to lead land-based and in-water verification activities across the program lifecycle, from concept to design verification and platform integration. You will collaborate with ARL Program Management, subsystem leads, sponsors, and U.S.

government T&E entities. The role demands strong systems engineering fundamentals, hands-on instrumentation and data collection, and the ability

Qualifications

• Developing and executing test plans and system verification activities.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering and V&V principles.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation, data collection, and test equipment.
• Ability to assess system performance and communicate findings clearly.
• Test documentation and configuration management.

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.

Skills

Test planning & execution

V&V principles

Instrumentation & data collection

Performance assessment

Test documentation & CM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering or related

Tools

Automated test systems

Python / MATLAB

Data analysis tools

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

You Will:

• 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

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions:

• 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

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• 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

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• 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

Your working location can be fully on-site fully to start for training located in State College, PA and then a hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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.

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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