Engineering Project Manager

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 86,300 - 129,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plans

Generous tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is hiring an Engineering Project Manager to oversee a range of projects focusing on new electro-optics technologies. Responsibilities include financial tracking, reporting, and vendor management. Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree, 3+ years of experience, Microsoft Office proficiency, and preferably hold a PMP certification. A salary range of $86,300.00 to $129,500.00 is offered, alongside a competitive benefits package including health insurance and tuition discounts.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in project management.
• Experience with managing vendor relationships and supply chain activities.
• Eligibility for government background investigation and clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage technical and financial status reports.
• Assemble and submit reporting materials per sponsor guidelines.
• Develop and maintain deliverable tracking charts/schedules.
• Coordinate vendor activities to align with project timelines.
• Organize and facilitate project meetings.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders.

Skills

Microsoft Office applications

Project management concepts

Financial tracking and reporting

Organizational skills

Communication skills

PMP certification

Vendor relationship management

Knowledge of government contracts

Time management skills

Eligibility for classified information

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a highly motivated and self‑starting Engineering Project Manager. The role supports a broad range of projects across multiple technical disciplines and scopes, with the mission of transitioning new electro‑optics technologies and applications to Navy‑selected focus platforms. Since 1999 the Electro‑Optics Center has served as the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Manufacturing Technology Center of Excellence for Electro‑Optics.

You Will:

• Financial tracking and reporting: Develop and manage technical and financial status reports, including detailed labor and cost tracking, mid‑month and end‑of‑project updates, and generate custom reports for external presentations.
• Reporting and compliance: Assemble and submit reporting materials per sponsor guidelines—including quarterly reports, quad charts, trip reports, and project plan templates; analyze program costs, schedules, and milestones to assess risk and manage changes to deliverables; provide independent thinking and problem‑solving support.
• Track and manage project deliverables: Develop and maintain deliverable tracking charts/schedules, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and timely updates.
• Vendor and supply chain management: Coordinate vendor activities (SOWs, RFQs, POs, delivery schedules) to align with project timelines and requirements.
• Meeting facilitation: Organize and facilitate project meetings, including agenda creation, minutes, and follow‑up actions.
• Stakeholder engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) and external stakeholders, addressing day‑to‑day requests and ensuring timely deliverables.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Microsoft Office applications, including Project and Visio.
• Fundamental project management concepts and application to real‑world projects.
• Financial tracking and reporting, including labor planning and cost analysis.
• Knowledge of government contracts, types, funding appropriations, and reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Success in an office environment requiring strong communication and organizational skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with FFRDC, UARC, or other government laboratories.
• Managing vendor relationships and supply chain activities.
• Experience with government contracts, including contract types and funding (for higher level positions, independent thinking and advanced problem‑solving skills are required).
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher, and willingness to undergo a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required.

Minimum Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Background Checks & Clearances:

Employment with ARL requires successful completion of background checks per University policies. All positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; a U.S. citizen is required. Candidates may be notified during the interview process if a government background investigation is required.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range: $86,300.00 – $129,500.00 (may be impacted by geographic differential). Penn State offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

EEO Statement:

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.