This volume comprises papers from the 18th Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER). The theme of this volume, ¿Recent Trends and Advances in Model-Based Systems Engineering,¿ reflects the fact that systems engineering is undergoing a transformation motivated by mission and system complexity and enabled by technological advances such as model-based systems engineering, digital engineering, and the convergence of systems engineering with other disciplines. This conference is focused on exploring recent trends and advances in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and the synergy of MBSE with simulation technology and digital engineering. Contributors have submitted papers on MBSE methods, modeling approaches, integration of digital engineering with MBSE, standards, modeling