Research and Development Engineer - System Sustainment

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks a highly analytical R&D Engineer focused on data science, predictive maintenance analytics, and reliability assessments for naval/defense systems. The role emphasizes translating complex findings into actionable recommendations and supporting cross‑functional teams in mission‑critical projects.

The position involves building data pipelines, dashboards, and cloud‑based tools while mentoring colleagues and contributing to proposals and

Qualifications

• Past success solving complex analytical or engineering problems using structured methodologies.
• Experience with failure analysis, reliability engineering, or predictive analytics.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL or similar languages for data science tasks.
• Ability to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of analytic methods including ML, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance models, and network/system analyses.
• Develop and evaluate reliability and failure models for complex naval/defense systems.
• Translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for technical and executive audiences.
• Build, validate, and document data pipelines, analytic tools, dashboards, and cloud environments (AWS/GCP/Azure).
• Engage with cross-functional engineering teams to support system readiness assessments and change evaluations.
• Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and customer deliverables.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance across multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Machine learning

Anomaly detection

Predictive maintenance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

14+ years relevant experience

Tools

Python

R

SQL

AWS/GCP/Azure

Docker/Kubernetes

Job description

We are searching for a highly analytical, systems‑focused Research and Development Engineer to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our division supports mission‑critical research for the Navy and other federal sponsors, advancing data-driven decision tools, predictive models, and engineering solutions that enhance reliability, readiness, and operational performance. This role will lead the development of data science methods, predictive maintenance analytics, and engineering assessments with direct impact on ARL customers.

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

You will:

• Lead development of analytic methods including machine learning, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance models, and network or system‑level analyses

• Develop and evaluate reliability and failure models for complex naval or defense‑related systems

• Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and executive audiences

• Build, validate, and document data pipelines, analytic tools, dashboards, and modernization processes, including cloud‑based environments (AWS/GCP/Azure)

• Engage with cross‑functional engineering teams to support system readiness assessments, configuration analysis, and engineering change evaluations

• Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and customer deliverables

• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams

Additional responsibilities for higher-level roles:

• Lead major research thrusts, serve as principal investigator, and/or oversee integrated engineering programs

• Develop strategic technical direction in data-driven reliability engineering and advanced analytics

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success solving complex analytical or engineering problems, using structured methodologies to reach effective, defendable solutions

• Failure analysis, reliability engineering, or predictive analytics

• Technical computing or analytics languages such as Python, R, SQL, or similar

• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization, version control, or data engineering tools

• Naval systems engineering, system readiness evaluation, or lifecycle maintenance analysis

• Graduate degree in Computational Science, Engineering Management, Applied Data Science, or related fields

• 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

Your working location will be fully on-site to start for training located in State College, PA, then a hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

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

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes 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.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.