Engineering Project Adviser

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 62,304 - 102,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an early-career Engineering Project Manager to support the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO). The role targets candidates with 1–3 years of project management experience who want more responsibility and growth in a mission-driven environment.

The position involves direct financial management, scheduling, risk mitigation, and cross-team coordination, with on-site or hybrid work near State College, PA.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience contributing to project management activities in engineering, manufacturing, or research environments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on increasing responsibility.
• A customer-focused mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and MS Project or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Directly support project financial management, including proposals, budgets, forecasts, and reporting
• Create and monitor work breakdown structures and expenses
• Identify, address, and elevate roadblocks
• Build schedules, communicate with the project team, and facilitate meetings and internal processes
• Gather, ship, and archive research data and deliverables
• Execute and track lab material and software purchases by maintaining records, monitoring order status, and coordinating with vendors
• Build and maintain networks across the office, the lab, and Penn State
• Independently manage project financials for higher-scope efforts
• Proactively assess risks and roadblocks, mitigate, and drive resolution with the PI and stakeholders
• Facilitate cross-functional coordination across engineering and business service teams
• Resolve purchasing issues and ensure material ETAs align with project schedules
• Contribute to process improvements by refining templates and workflows

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Initiative

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking an early-career Engineering Project Manager to join the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role is ideal for a candidate with approximately 1-3 years of current project management experience who is ready to take on increased responsibility and grow within a mission-driven environment. The selected candidate will support research programs and laboratory operations while working alongside a collaborative team of engineers and senior project managers

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

You will:

• Directly support project financial management, including proposals, budgets, forecasts, and reporting

• Create and monitor work breakdown structures and expenses

• Identify, address, and elevate roadblocks

• Build schedules, communicate with the project team, and facilitate meetings and internal processes

• Gather, ship, and archive research data and deliverables

• Execute and track lab material and software purchases by maintaining records, monitoring order status, and coordinating with vendors

• Build and maintain networks across the office, the lab, and Penn State

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Independently manage project financials for efforts with increased scope or complexity

• Proactively assess risks and roadblocks, recommend mitigation strategies, and drive resolution in coordination with the Principal Investigator and stakeholders

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination, ensuring alignment across engineering and business service teams

• Resolve purchasing issues and ensure material ETAs align with project schedules

• Contribute to process improvement efforts by refining templates and identifying opportunities to streamline project management processes within the team

Required skills and experience include:

• 1+ years of experience contributing to project management activities in an engineering, manufacturing, or research environment

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on increasing responsibility

• A customer-focused mindset

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project or similar tools)

Preferred skills and experience include:

• Current 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, if required

• Part fabrication processes

• Knowledge of materials used in a research lab and familiarity with engineering software

• PSUBuy (or similar systems)

• Active project management certification or training (e.g., CAPM, PMP)

Your working location may be fully on-site or hybrid (on-site/work from home) near State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require minimal periodic travel to ARL and sponsor locations in support of managing projects and meetings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Engineering Project Adviser (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Engineering Project Adviser (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 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 $62,304.00 - $102,900.00.
• 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.

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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