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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Test Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $109K - $191K 💻 Software Engineering 🗓️ February 25th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Test Engineer. The role involves providing technical leadership and collaborating to design, develop, and integrate software, hardware, and custom electronics for verification of undersea systems using Hardware-In-the-Loop testbeds, while supporting research and development activities.

Highlights
  • Provide technical leadership in integrating low-fidelity models into Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbeds for system testing.
  • Design and develop software and hardware test systems to control and observe test articles.
  • Integrate custom electronics and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment for design verification.
  • Develop processes and procedures for integration and verification of undersea system designs.
  • Prepare technical documentation and present findings to diverse audiences.
  • Lead projects and mentor staff at higher professional levels.
  • Required skills include embedded system testing, software development for test automation, and technical documentation proficiency.
  • Preferred knowledge includes MATLAB, National Instruments tools (LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand), Data Acquisition hardware, HALT/HASS testing, and standard systems engineering documentation.
  • Must be eligible for a Secret-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
  • Salary range is $109,300 to $191,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount.

Systems Test Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


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 an experienced Systems Test Engineer to join our Systems Integration and Hardware-In-the-Loop (SIHIL) Department of The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This multi-disciplinary role requires test engineering expertise to support and execute the rapid integration and verification of new undersea systems designs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Assist in providing technical leadership and innovative approaches to the integration of low-fidelity models into a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbed useful for interface and functional testing in a System of Systems
  • Collaborate with others to initiate design, and develop software and hardware for use in purposeful test sets and test systems that control and observe test articles
  • Integrate custom electronics and/or Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment as part of the overall fabrications used in new design verification
  • Assist with the development of processes and procedures used in integration and verification of undersea designs
  • Prepare written and/or verbal presentations or technical documentation and present to a broad variety of audiences
  • Support a thriving research and development environment that fosters creativity and collaboration
Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:
  • Lead projects and teams and mentor staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills
  • Build relationships with individuals and units within and outside projects
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Proven experience in creating and executing testing solutions that exercise, measure, and verify functional performance of embedded control systems along with related sensors and electro-mechanical assemblies
  • Development of software used in the execution, automation, measurement, and analysis of complex test articles
  • Experience writing technical test procedures and related technical documentation
  • Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Design verification testing, acceptance testing, requirements management, and verification 
  • Prior understanding of the architecture and implementation of a System of Systems for an undersea design and its corresponding interoperability with launching platforms or command and control systems
  • Use of MATLAB as an analysis tool in evaluating test data 
  • Understanding of National Instruments tools such as LabVIEW, VeriStand, and TestStand and their application to systems integration and HIL
  • Integration and application of Data Acquisition Hardware and Equipment from National Instruments
  • HALT/HASS development and execution
  • Applied experience with standard System Engineering documentation such as SSS, SRD, TRD, and/or TEMP
  • 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 will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position 

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 $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.