R&D Software Engineer – Global Travel & Impact

The Pennsylvania State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania 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 opportunities for limited hybrid work and frequent travel to sponsor locations and other sites.

Applicants should have proficiency in modern languages (Python, C++, Java, or Rust), experience across full development lifecycle, and familiarity with

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Rust

Linux

Windows

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Data structures

Algorithms

Performance optimization

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

The Pennsylvania 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 opportunities for limited hybrid work and frequent travel to sponsor locations and other sites.

Applicants should have proficiency in modern languages (Python, C++, Java, or Rust), experience across full development lifecycle, and familiarity with