Systems Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 92,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Agile Systems Engineering department. The role focuses on rapid development of complex engineering systems for DoD programs, combining electrical, firmware and software disciplines to deliver high-impact solutions.

The position requires coordination with stakeholders, mentorship of engineers, and the ability to work across lifecycle activities.

Qualifications

• Technical background in Electrical or Systems Engineering.
• Detailed design and implementation of electrical circuits, software, and firmware.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Interface with project stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure project success.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and subject matter experts.
• Define system control and data architectures.
• Perform systems engineering activities across the DoD product development lifecycle.
• Travel for stakeholder engagements as needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Systems engineering

Circuit design

Firmware experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Experience: 5+ years (Advanced Professional)

Experience: 2+ years (Intermediate Professional)

Job description

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 our 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 includes:

• 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
• Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
• Communicate with external audiences for business purposes

Required skills/experience areas include:

• 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 areas include:

• 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

Your working location will located full on-site located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience, Required Certifications: None
• Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience, Required Certifications: None
• Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional: Bachelor's Degree - 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.

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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

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.