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- 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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a Software Research and Development Engineer to join the Command and Control Software Solutions Department of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. Our team works at the intersection of software development, data modeling, simulation, and sensor systems—building tools that improve decision-making, automation, and system performance. You will work with our team to integrate diverse sensor types, data sources, and analytical methods to solve complex national security challenges.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Develop and test software components for data-driven applications, including front-end and back-end functionality
- Leverage modern development tools including AI assistants to write, test, and document high-quality code efficiently
- Work with engineers and scientists to implement algorithms, models, and data processing pipelines
- Apply engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems and contribute to system design decisions
- Support the design and execution of experiments and testing activities, including data collection and analysis
- Assist in integrating software into prototype systems and participate in demonstrations to stakeholders
- Communicate results and ideas through clear documentation, presentations, and visualizations
- Collaborate in a team environment and contribute to technical discussions, design reviews, and problem-solving efforts
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Programming language such as Python, Java, Rust, or C++
- Basic software development practices (debugging, version control, testing)
- Ability to apply foundational mathematics or statistics concepts
- Interest in working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment
- Strong communication skills and eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret/ SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
- Degree in Computer Science or Mathematics
- Data processing, modeling, or visualization
- Exposure to sensor systems, embedded systems, or robotics
- Agile development practices (e.g., Scrum, Kanban)
- Common development tools (e.g., Git, IDEs)
- Basic DevOps skills, including experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines
- Coursework or projects in areas such as machine learning, signal processing, or simulation
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. 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 R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.
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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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science
- Programming experience in Python, Java, Rust, or C++
- Basic software development practices (debugging, version control, testing)
- Ability to apply foundational mathematics or statistics concepts
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret/SCI level or higher
- U.S. citizenship
- Data processing, modeling, or visualization experience
- Exposure to sensor systems, embedded systems, or robotics
- Familiarity with Agile development practices (Scrum, Kanban)
- Familiarity with common development tools (Git, IDEs)
- Basic DevOps experience (Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD pipelines)
- Coursework or projects in machine learning, signal processing, or simulation
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
