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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 and self-starting Systems Engineer to join our Mission Systems (MS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and serve as a Systems Engineer and System Architect. The MS Department mission is to serve as the nexus between technology and operations, leading multidisciplinary initiatives that transform operational capabilities. Through strong partnerships and trusted stakeholder relationships, we facilitate the delivery of integrated solutions to complex, real-world challenges.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Define and develop system architectures for complex, multi-domain defense systems using systems engineering principles
Apply modular design approaches to decompose complex systems into manageable, interoperable subsystems and components
Develop architectural frameworks, interface definitions, and integration strategies
Lead requirements analysis, functional decomposition, and allocation across system hierarchies
Conduct trade studies and alternatives analysis to evaluate architectural approaches
Create and maintain system architecture documentation including block diagrams, interface control documents, and design specifications
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure architectural integrity throughout system development
Support verification and validation planning to ensure system architecture meets operational requirements
Communicate architectural concepts and technical recommendations to stakeholders and project sponsors
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
Indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers
Monitoring and tracking of funding and budgets
Work independently on complex assignments, review progress, and evaluate results
Lead communications with external audiences for scheduling, coordination, and business purposes
Represent the organization in technical exchanges and program reviews
Required skills/experience areas include:
Technical background in Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline
5+ years of experience designing and developing complex systems
Past success with systems engineering approaches to system architecture and modular design
System decomposition, functional analysis, and interface management
System architectures for hardware/software integrated systems (not IT network or enterprise architecture)
Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle management
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across engineering disciplines
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Past success in writing white papers or report
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) training and experience with tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar
Department of Defense or Navy systems development programs
Defense system architectures and standards (e.g., DoDAF, UAF, MODAF)
Digital engineering practices and tools
Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Innoslate)
Open systems architectures and modular open systems approach (MOSA)
MATLAB, Simulink, or other system modeling and simulation tools
Previous success in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented culture
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 on-site in State College, PA, . but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
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 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 $105,900.00 - $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.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science
- 5+ years of relevant experience designing and developing complex systems for the advanced professional level
- Systems engineering experience in system architecture and modular design
- Experience with system decomposition, functional analysis, and interface management
- Experience developing architectures for integrated hardware and software systems
- Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across engineering disciplines
- Ability to communicate technical ideas effectively
- Experience writing white papers or reports
- MBSE training and experience with Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar tools
- Experience with Department of Defense or Navy systems development programs
- Experience with defense system architectures and standards such as DoDAF, UAF, or MODAF
- Experience with digital engineering practices and tools
- Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or Innoslate
- Experience with open systems architectures and MOSA
- Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, or other modeling and simulation tools
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
- U.S. citizenship
- Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance and successful completion of background checks
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
