R&D Software Engineer: Impactful Software, Travel‑Heavy

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 92,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks analytical software engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division. The role focuses on software implementation, testing, and productization for programs of national or international impact, with on-site work in State College, PA and occasional travel.

Applicants should have experience in Python, C++, Java, or Rust; Linux/Windows development; Git and CI/CD; and cloud or container technologies.

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 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.
• Collaborating with product owners, researchers, system engineers, and stakeholders to translate requirements into designs.

Responsibilities

• Apply your software expertise to programs of national or international impact by identifying challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure on-time completion of project tasks with technical excellence.
• Develop and deliver updates on program status to Fleet-level personnel at meetings.
• Interact with engineering teams, sponsors, and stakeholders regularly.
• Contribute as a key member of a multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Rust

Object-oriented design

Modular architecture

Version control

Linux/Windows development

Git

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Data structures

Algorithms

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks analytical software engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division. The role focuses on software implementation, testing, and productization for programs of national or international impact, with on-site work in State College, PA and occasional travel.

Applicants should have experience in Python, C++, Java, or Rust; Linux/Windows development; Git and CI/CD; and cloud or container technologies.