R&D Engineer: Software Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in Reston, VA seeks analytical software engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division. The role focuses on software implementation, testing, and productization, with travel to sponsor locations and DoD-related programs.

The position requires strong software development skills across languages, Linux/Windows environments, and modern tools, plus the ability to collaborate with sponsors and researchers in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages (Python, C++, Java, Rust).
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable software across full development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of OOD, modular architecture, and version control.
• Experience in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Familiarity with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or cloud/ distributed systems.
• Ability to write clear, maintainable code and documentation.
• Eligible for access to classified information at Secret level or higher (TS/SCI possible).
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Engineering or Computer Science.

Responsibilities

• Apply software expertise to national/international programs by identifying challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure technical excellence and on-time completion of project tasks.
• Develop and deliver updates on program status to Fleet-level personnel and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, researchers, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to ARL's mission of discovery, demonstration, transition, and education within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Rust

Linux

Windows

Git

CI/CD

Automated testing

DS & Algorithms

Docker

Kubernetes

Code documentation

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Master's Degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

PhD in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site in Reston, VA, but options exist for limited hybrid of on-site/work from home, based on project-dependent ability. This role requires frequent travel to sponsor locations in the Beltway area and to associate contractor and second party locations within and outside the continental United States. Trip lengths may be up to 2 weeks in duration.

We are searching for analytical software engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division within the Information Advantage Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will focus on software implementation, test, and productization.

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

You will:

• Apply your expertise in software to contribute to programs of national or international impact by identifying emerging challenges, research trends, and future opportunities
• Ensure technical excellence and on-time completion of all project tasks
• Develop and deliver clear updates on program status to Fleet-level personnel at both individual and community meetings
• Interact and collaborate regularly with the engineering team, principal investigator, sponsors, and other stakeholders
• Embrace ARL's mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate while contributing as a key member of a multi-disciplinary engineering team

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or Rust
• Ability to design, implement, and maintain high-quality, scalable software solutions across the full development lifecycle
• Strong understanding of software development principles, including object-oriented design, modular architecture, and version control
• Experience developing, testing, and maintaining software in Linux and/or Windows environments
• Working knowledge of modern development tools (Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks)
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization
• Experience with cloud platforms, distributed systems, or container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Ability to produce clear, maintainable, and well-documented code
• Systematic troubleshooting of operating systems and input-output debugging
• Understanding of the network protocol stack
• 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 to the TS/SCI level
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Prior success collaborating with product owners, researchers, system engineers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into well-architected technical designs
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated capacity to balance detail-oriented thinking while maintaining the ability to see the "big picture"
• Demonstrated experience supporting transitional efforts

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• No prior relevant work experience required
• Required 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu .

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of backg