Maritime Systems Research and Development Engineer - Springfield, VA

Research & Development Engineer

We are searching for a Research & Development Engineer to join our Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State to serve as a Maritime Systems Project Manager at a customer site in Springfield, VA. This position will be embedded within a government program office, and requires prior Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) experience in technology development and program management. The selected candidate will ultimately be performing inherently governmental functions with significant program management responsibilities.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Plan and manage elements of an applied undersea research and development program to improve existing capabilities or develop new capabilities to satisfy Naval Intelligence requirements
• Utilize project management, systems engineering, contract management, and acquisition best practices to transition advanced undersea systems to a diverse set of mission partners
• Advise Senior Officials on topics related to Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs), Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (AUVs), robotics, autonomy, power and energy, advanced sensors, and other advanced ocean systems
• Maintain liaison with internal and external organizations to include other intelligence agencies, academia, laboratories, and operational forces to discuss requirements, technologies, and provide timely information to senior decision makers
• Lead the development of acquisition plans and strategy, method of solicitation, most suitable type of contract, projected lead time, and contracting packages

Additional responsibilities of higher level positions may include:

• Conduct and coordinate complex research and development efforts to develop new systems and systems of systems, execute technology transition agreements with internal and external mission partners, and transition developed technologies to DoD and IC mission partners
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of highly technical performers to solve complex engineering, development, test, and evaluation challenges to satisfy DoD and IC requirements

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Experience serving in a research & development engineering role for a DoD/IC technology development program required; experience serving as a program manager or project lead for a DoD/IC technology development program is preferred
• Broad experience in one or more of the following technology areas; Undersea Vehicles, Autonomous Systems, Sensors (acoustic, EO/IR, Sensors (or other novel phenomenology), Electronic Warfare, Communication systems (acoustic, fiber, RF), Materials Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Systems Engineering
• Active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for access to sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI)
• The ability to complete a counter-intelligence scope polygraph (post-hire)

Your working location will be fully on-site in Springfield, VA. The position requires occasional travel to State College, PA and other locations.

Hiring contingent upon government customer approval.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

19+ 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

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

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

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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $219,600.00. THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL

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.