Penn State University

Systems Test Engineer

Penn State University$109K — $191K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required, advanced position requires 5-14 years of relevant experience depending on level
  • Strong background in developing testing solutions for embedded control systems and related technologies
  • Experience in creating and automating complex test procedures and technical documentation
  • Proven communication and organizational skills in team-oriented settings
  • Collaborative experience in diverse multi-disciplinary environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead the integration of low-fidelity models into a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbed for systems testing
  • Develop innovative hardware and software for comprehensive test systems
  • Integrate custom electronics and COTS equipment for design verification
  • Create and refine processes for integration and verification of undersea systems
  • Prepare and present technical documentation to varied audiences
  • Support a research environment that encourages creativity and teamwork
  • Mentor junior team members and lead project initiatives (if higher-level position)

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off policies including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and their eligible family members
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

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 multi-disciplinary role requires test engineering expertise to support and execute the rapid integration and verification of new undersea systems designs.

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

You will:
  • Assist in providing technical leadership and innovative approaches to the integration of low-fidelity models into a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbed useful for interface and functional testing in a System of Systems
  • Collaborate with others to initiate design, and develop software and hardware for use in purposeful test sets and test systems that control and observe test articles
  • Integrate custom electronics and/or Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment as part of the overall fabrications used in new design verification
  • Assist with the development of processes and procedures used in integration and verification of undersea designs
  • Prepare written and/or verbal presentations or technical documentation and present to a broad variety of audiences
  • Support a thriving research and development environment that fosters creativity and collaboration


Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:
  • 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 areas include:
  • Proven experience in creating and executing testing solutions that exercise, measure, and verify functional performance of embedded control systems along with related sensors and electro-mechanical assemblies
  • Development of software used in the execution, automation, measurement, and analysis of complex test articles
  • Experience writing technical test procedures and related technical documentation
  • Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • 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 corresponding 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 and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required


Your working location will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.

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