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• 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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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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 E