Systems Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,100 - 200,808; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the ASE Department at the Applied Research Laboratory. The role involves interfacing with stakeholders, defining system architectures, and performing thorough systems engineering activities across the DoD lifecycle.

Higher-level duties include supervision, budgeting oversight, and independent work on complex tasks, with potential government clearance considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience for the Research and Development Engineer role.
• No specific certifications required.
• Intermediates may have different criteria but the main entry requires engineering/science degree.

Responsibilities

• Interface with project stakeholders to understand 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 the DoD product development lifecycle.
• Travel for stakeholder engagements as needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science

Job description

Position

We are searching for a highly motivated, self-starting Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Agile Systems Engineering (ASE) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

Role Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 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 and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Education, Experience & Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Systems (ARL) – Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science and 5+ years of relevant experience. If filled as – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience. If filled as – Professional: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science; no prior relevant work experience required. No required certifications.

Location

Full onsite, State College, PA.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. 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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 – $200,808.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for eligible employees and their family members.

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.