Engineering Project Adviser

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 62,304 - 102,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an early-career Engineering Project Manager to support the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO). With 1–3 years of PM experience, you will help manage proposals, budgets, schedules, and data deliverables while collaborating with engineers and senior project managers.

This role is housed in ARL with DoD SkillBridge eligibility, offering a mission-driven environment and opportunities to grow into higher-responsibility positions.

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.
• 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 escalate 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

Skills

PM experience

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Initiative

Customer focus

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Advanced Professional)

Bachelor's Degree (Intermediate Professional)

Tools

PSUBuy

MS Project

Job description

Position Specifications

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.

• Directly support project financial management, including proposals, budgets, forecasts, and reporting
• Create and monitor work breakdown structures and expenses
• Identify, address, and escalate 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

Location and Work Arrangements

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

• Engineering Project Adviser (ARL) – Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree, 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.
• Engineering Project Adviser (ARL) – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree, 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

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.

• Salary Structure – Information on Penn State's salary structure
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off, which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

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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