R&D Engineer: Software Engineer

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent 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​Your working location will be fully on-site in Reston, VA, but options exist for limited hybrid of on-site/work from home, based on project-dependent ability. This role requires frequent travel to sponsor locations in the Beltway area and to associate contractor and second party locations within and outside the continental United States. Trip lengths may be up to 2 weeks in duration.We are searching for analytical software engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division within the Information Advantage Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will focus on software implementation, test, and productization.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Apply your expertise in software to contribute to programs of national or international impact by identifying emerging challenges, research trends, and future opportunitiesEnsure technical excellence and on-time completion of all project tasksDevelop and deliver clear updates on program status to Fleet-level personnel at both individual and community meetingsInteract and collaborate regularly with the engineering team, principal investigator, sponsors, and other stakeholdersEmbrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate while contributing as a key member of a multi-disciplinary engineering teamRequired Skills/Experience areas include:Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or RustAbility to design, implement, and maintain high-quality, scalable software solutions across the full development lifecycleStrong understanding of software development principles, including object-oriented design, modular architecture, and version controlExperience developing, testing, and maintaining software in Linux and/or Windows environmentsWorking knowledge of modern development tools (Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks)Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and performance optimizationExperience with cloud platforms, distributed systems, or container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)Ability to produce clear, maintainable, and well-documented codeSystematic troubleshooting of operating systems and input-output debuggingUnderstanding of the network protocol stackPreferred Skills/Experience areas include:Prior success collaborating with product owners, researchers, system engineers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into well-architected technical designsSuccess in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effectiveDemonstrated capacity to balance detail-oriented thinking while maintaining the ability to see the “big picture”Demonstrated experience supporting transitional effortsCurrent 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 to the TS/SCI levelBachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Computer Engineering or Computer ScienceMINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None 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: NoneARL’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 .BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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 STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.Federal Contractors Labor Law PosterPA State Labor Law PosterPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlinesSummaryLocation: Reston, VAType: Full time