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 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 to possess 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.
