New

Research and Development Systems Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 09, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a highly motivated and self-startingSystems Engineer to join our Mission Systems (MS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and serve as a Lead Test and Evaluation Engineer. 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: Lead, manage, test, and evaluate activities for advanced and complex systems Engage and collaborate independently with project sponsors and organizational stakeholders to understand requirements, align objectives, and ensure project success Plan, coordinate, and execute flight test programs and campaigns Develop test plans, procedures, and evaluation criteria for complex systems Support analysis of alternative solutions, gaps analysis, and trade-space analysis Evaluate and ensure validation of system requirements with test objectives Coordinate across engineering disciplines with internal and external collaborators Project management and supervision/mentorship of junior engineers 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 Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering 15+ years of experience managing or supervising flight tests for advanced and complex systems Demonstrated success in planning and executing complex test programs from concept through completion Test and evaluation of complex systems utilized by the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships Past success effectively coordinating and collaborating with diverse project sponsors and organizational stakeholders Developing and maintaining a strategy and vision to achieve test and evaluation objectives Past success in writing white papers and proposals to pursue projects Demonstrated success presenting technical findings to senior leadership and decision-makers Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding 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 Preferred skills/experience areas include: Modeling & Simulation as applied to test and evaluation Past success with Mission Engineering, Concepts of Operations, and other related technologies Data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and telemetry Model Based Systems Engineering training and experience Systems engineering fundamentals and project management methodologies MATLAB, data analysis tools, or systems modeling software Previous success in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Your working location Reston, VA, 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 Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ 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 web site 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. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.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. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines