ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will
Translate stakeholder needs into system-level requirements and architectures
Perform analysis of alternatives and develop system concepts for hardware‑centric undersea platforms and payloads
Conduct system and requirements decomposition, interface definition, and integration planning
Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE), system modeling, and hardware/software integration
Develop verification and validation strategies, test plans, and test procedures for physical prototypes and fielded systems
Participate in and support lab, dockside, and at-sea test events
Collaborate regularly with engineering teams, program sponsors, Navy partners, and program management
Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support lifecycle decision-making
Additional responsibilities for higher level positions includes
Organize and direct a multi-disciplinary and diverse engineering team
Provide technical leadership within the division programs
Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding
Propose and lead new initiatives; guide programs of national or international significance; identify future problems, research trends, and opportunities
Required skills/experience areas include
Applying systems engineering to complex physical systems, preferably in defense, aerospace, maritime, or robotics domains
Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Past success in writing white papers or reports
Past success in a lead role, organizing, managing, and directing, multi-disciplinary teams, while contributing and assisting in project management
Past success while leading or contributing to technical proposals and white papers
Preferred skills/experience areas include
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, Systems Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Unmanned underwater systems development
Hardware integration, prototype testing, or system-level test events
Past success using requirements and MBSE tools (Cameo, DOORS, Jama, etc.)
Working knowledge of DoD acquisition, especially Department of the Navy systems engineering processes
Exposure to environmental qualification, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or embedded system integration
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 can be fully on-site to start for training located in State College, PA and then a 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.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

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) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None
- 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 $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.
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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