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Pennsylvania State University

Systems Test Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $122K - $231K 💻 Software Engineering 🗓️ July 2nd, 2026
PK

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Systems Test Engineer to join the Systems Integration and Hardware-In-the-Loop (SIHIL) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory. The role involves leading the integration and verification of new undersea systems designs through development and execution of testing solutions, software and hardware creation, and technical documentation. The position also includes mentoring teams, collaborating across disciplines, and supporting research and development efforts.

Highlights
  • Lead integration of low-fidelity models into a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testbed for System of Systems testing.
  • Develop software and hardware for test sets and systems that control and observe test articles.
  • Integrate custom electronics and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equipment in design verification processes.
  • Prepare and present technical documentation and presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentor staff on projects and business development.
  • Proven experience with embedded control systems testing, sensor and electro-mechanical assembly validation.
  • Knowledge of MATLAB, National Instruments tools (LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand), and Data Acquisition Hardware.
  • Experience with HALT/HASS testing and standard system engineering documentation (SSS, SRD, TRD, TEMP).
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required; 5+ years experience for Advanced Professional, 14+ years for Senior Professional level.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for Secret level security clearance; position requires onsite work and periodic travel.
  • Salary range from $121,704 to $231,000 with comprehensive benefits including tuition discounts.

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.

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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 CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - 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.

 

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 - $231,000.00.

 

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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