Systems Test Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 109,300 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Generous tuition discount for employees and families

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in University Park, Texas is seeking a Systems Test Engineer to support the integration and verification of undersea system designs. This role demands test engineering expertise with responsibilities such as providing technical leadership, collaborating to develop software and hardware, and preparing technical documentation. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or science and proven experience with embedded control systems. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and executing testing solutions for embedded control systems.
• Experience writing technical test procedures and documentation.
• Success in a diverse, multidisciplinary team-oriented culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for integration and testing.
• Design and develop software and hardware for test systems.
• Prepare technical documentation for various audiences.

Skills

Testing solutions for embedded control systems

Software development for automation and analysis

Technical writing for test procedures

Strong communication and organizational skills

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

Tools

MATLAB

National Instruments tools (LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand)

Job description

Systems Test Engineer

We are searching for an experienced Systems Test Engineer to join our Systems Integration and Hardware‑In‑the‑Loop (SIHIL) Department of The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This multidisciplinary role requires test engineering expertise to support and execute the rapid integration and verification of new undersea system designs.

Application Instructions

Current Penn State employees and students must apply through Workday. External applicants may click “Apply” to complete the external application process. Remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed.

Position Specifics

The position is fully onsite in State College, PA, with periodic travel to remote locations to support testing. We welcome transitioning military members as ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and innovative approaches to the integration of low‑fidelity models into a Hardware‑In‑the‑Loop (HIL) testbed for interface and functional testing in a system of systems.
• Collaborate with others to design, develop software and hardware for purposeful test sets and systems that control and observe test articles.
• Integrate custom electronics and/or commercial‑off‑the‑shelf equipment into overall fabrications used in new design verification.
• Assist with the development of processes and procedures for integration and verification of undersea designs.
• Prepare written and verbal presentations and technical documentation for a broad variety of audiences.
• Support a thriving research and development environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.

Additional Responsibilities (Higher-Level Position)

• Lead projects and teams and mentor staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills.
• Build relationships with individuals and units within and outside projects.

Required Skills / Experience

• Proven experience creating and executing testing solutions that exercise, measure, and verify functional performance of embedded control systems and related sensors and electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Experience developing software used in the execution, automation, measurement, and analysis of complex test articles.
• Experience writing technical test procedures and related documentation.
• Success in an environment where strong communication and organizational skills are crucial.
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multidisciplinary, team-oriented culture.

Preferred Skills / Experience

• Design verification testing, acceptance testing, requirements management, and verification.
• Prior understanding of the architecture and implementation of a system of systems for an undersea design and its interoperability with launching platforms or command and control systems.
• Use of MATLAB as an analysis tool in evaluating test data.
• Understanding of National Instruments tools such as LabVIEW, VeriStand, and TestStand and their application to systems integration and HIL.
• Integration and application of data acquisition hardware and equipment from National Instruments.
• HALT/HASS development and execution.
• Applied experience with standard system engineering documentation such as SSS, SRD, TRD, and/or TEMP.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science. If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional: 14+ years of relevant experience. If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience. No required certifications.

Background Checks / Security Clearance

All positions at ARL require the ability to obtain a government security clearance. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and will undergo background checks and a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $109,300.00 – $191,000.00, with a possible geographic differential. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer 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.