New

Systems Research & Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 12, 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, self-starting Research and Development Engineer to join our Agile Systems Engineering (ASE) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ASE Department mission is to support research, design and application of engineering development methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. Focus is on rapid development of complex engineering systems requiring the integration of cross-disciplinary solutions and expertise. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Interface with project stakeholders to understand their requirements and ensure project success Support Analysis of alternative solutions, gaps analysis, and trade-space analysis Requirements development and linkages throughout system architecture Coordination across engineering disciplines with internal and external collaborators Project management and supervision / mentorship of junior engineers Occasional travel for stakeholder engagements Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes (if multi-level is necessary): Indirect supervision and mentorship of other engineers Monitoring and tracking of funding and budgets Work independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination May communicate with external audiences for business purposes Required skills/experience areas include: Technical background in Mechanical or Systems Engineering Previous experience with mechanical design and analysis of complex systems and subsea / seabed warfare systems utilized by the Department of Navy and/or Department of Defense Developing and maintaining a strategy and vision to achieve objectives Experience developing white papers and proposals to pursue projects Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills 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 mechanical or systems engineering Mission Engineering, Concepts of Operations, and other related technologies MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, Abaqus, or Siemens NX Model Based Systems Engineering training and experience Systems engineering fundamentals and project management Experience contributing as a team player TOP SECRET Clearance Your working location will be hybrid, on-site/work from home, project-dependent ability for hybrid work, with on-site work in Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS 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 If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ 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 $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.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