Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 92,100 - 200,808; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Agile Systems Engineering (ASE) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory.

The role focuses on rapid development of complex engineering systems requiring cross-disciplinary integration to advance warfighter capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science is required.
• Experience with detailed design and implementation of electrical circuits, software, and firmware is preferred.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Interface with project stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure project success.
• Work with senior engineers and subject matter experts.
• Define system control and data architectures and perform systems engineering activities across the DoD lifecycle.
• Travel for stakeholder engagements as needed.
• Mentor other engineers and monitor budgets for higher-level roles.
• Communicate with external audiences for scheduling, coordination, and business purposes.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Systems engineering

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) should login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

Current Penn State student (not previously employed by the university) seeking employment should login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

If you are not a current employee or student, please click Apply and complete the external applicant process.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a highly motivated, self-starting Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Agile Systems Engineering (ASE) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ASE Department mission is to support research, design and application of engineering development methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. Focus is on rapid development of complex engineering systems requiring the integration of cross-disciplinary solutions and expertise.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Interface with project stakeholders to understand their requirements and ensure project success
• Work closely with senior engineers and subject matter experts
• Define system control and data architectures
• Perform systems engineering activities spanning typical DoD product development lifecycle
• Travel for stakeholder engagements (as needed)

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include:

• Indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers
• Monitoring and tracking of funding and budgets
• Work independently on moderately complex work assignments, review progress, and evaluate results
• Communicate with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
• Communicate with external audiences for business purposes

REQUIRED & PREFERRED SKILLS

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Technical background in Electrical or Systems Engineering
• Previous experience with detailed design and implementation of electrical circuits, software, and firmware
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Controls, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop test set development and operation
• Hands-on experience with electrical design, simulation, and test
• Working with standard laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators
• Model Based Systems Engineering training and experience
• Systems engineering fundamentals and project management
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

For the position filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years relevant experience; Required Certifications: None.

For the position filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 2+ years relevant experience; Required Certifications: None.

For the position filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; No prior relevant work experience required; 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 DoD, and the Intelligence Community. For further information, visit the ARL website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. ARL may require eligibility for a government security clearance, participation in the ARL drug testing program, and compliance 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. U.S. citizenship is required to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $92,100.00 – $200,808.00, including all possible grades.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, vacation, and sick time. A 75% tuition discount is available to employees and eligible spouses and children. For more details, please visit the Benefits page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Penn State publishes information pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR) includes crime statistics and security policies. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities 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 impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.