Research and Development Systems Engineer

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 Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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 .psu.edu.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) training and experience with tools such as Cameo, Magic Draw, 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. Options exist for a hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional, this…