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
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 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.
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 $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.
