Project Manager Financial System

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 76,700 - 129,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time)

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in University Park, Texas, is seeking an early-career Engineering Project Manager to manage project financials and team coordination. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and at least 1-year experience in project management. The role offers a salary range of $76,700 - $129,500 and includes benefits such as a generous tuition discount and retirement plans. The position may be on-site or hybrid, involving occasional travel to manage projects effectively.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of project management experience in an engineering or research environment.
• Strong initiative and willingness to take on increasing responsibilities.
• Current eligibility for classified information access is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support project financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Create and monitor work breakdown structures and expenses.
• Build schedules and facilitate team meetings.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

PSUBuy

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an early‑career Engineering Project Manager to join the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. The 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.

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

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 Travel

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 and Experience

Minimum qualifications differ by level. For Engineering Project Manager – Advanced Professional, a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. For Engineering Project Manager – Intermediate Professional, a bachelor’s degree and 1+ year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. No certifications are required for either level.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is 76,700.00 – 129,500.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

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, including 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.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

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.