Defense R&D Engineer: Vehicle Sustainment & Cyber

Penn State Lady Lions; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a senior engineer to lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research in the U.S. You will build strategic relationships with military stakeholders and translate operational challenges into actionable R&D objectives.

The role requires deep DoD acquisition knowledge, experience with vehicle operations and IT systems, and leadership to guide project teams and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• 14+ years of relevant experience.
• Eligible for government security clearance or background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios.
• Maintain and expand strategic relationships with military stakeholders (USMC, Army, joint logistics).
• Provide subject-matter expertise on ground vehicle operations, sustainment processes, and IT systems.
• Shape research directions by translating sustainment challenges into R&D objectives.
• Mentor staff in sponsor engagement, program execution, and operational sustainment concepts.
• Advise on DoD acquisition pathways and clearance requirements.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic technology planning for ASTD.

Skills

Sustainment expertise

Sponsor engagement

Strategic relationships

Technical leadership

Communicate complex concepts

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a senior engineer to lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research in the U.S. You will build strategic relationships with military stakeholders and translate operational challenges into actionable R&D objectives.

The role requires deep DoD acquisition knowledge, experience with vehicle operations and IT systems, and leadership to guide project teams and junior staff.