Research Computing Software Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 111,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Research Computing Software Engineer to join ARL’s Visualization and Decision Support Division. The role involves developing software for high-performance computing and cloud environments, leading a team, and delivering robust solutions for complex research needs in a classified context.

The position is on-site in State College, PA or Reston, VA, with strong emphasis on collaboration, security, and cutting-edge computational techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with several years of software development experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with large datasets and HPC/cloud environments.
• Ability to work in a research environment with security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications and tools for research computing needs.
• Implement efficient algorithms and data structures for large datasets and complex computations.
• Write clean, well-documented code using modern programming languages.
• Integrate software with existing research computing infra, including cloud platforms.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to ensure tool functionality.
• Analyze and optimize the performance of software applications for high-demand research workloads.
• Identify bottlenecks and memory usage issues; address technical challenges.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for software issues.
• Create and maintain documentation for tools and troubleshooting procedures.
• Stay up to date with advancements in software engineering and computational research technologies.

Skills

Code analysis

Cross-team collaboration

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Programming

Software architecture

Software development

Software testing

Technology acumen

Trend analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

HPC/cloud platforms

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Research Computing Software Engineer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division (VDS) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will work within classified research and development and cloud computing (HPC) environments to develop and maintain software solutions to support the computational and data analysis needs of the research community; design, code, test, and optimize software systems that enhance research capabilities and streamline computational workflows. The mission of VDS is to research, develop, and apply technical innovations that provide Decision Advantage to our sponsors through the use of data science, artificial intelligence, simulation, knowledge communication and virtual collaboration technologies. In this role, you will direct a team of engineers and researchers to fulfill this mission. The position will be located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA and is not eligible for remote work. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Develop, deploy, enhance, and maintain software applications and tools to support research computing needs
• Implement efficient algorithms and data structures to handle large datasets and complex computations
• Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code using modern programming languages
• Integrate software solutions with existing research computing infrastructure, including cloud platforms
• Collaborate with other engineers and researchers to ensure seamless integration and functionality of software tools within the research environment
• Analyze and optimize the performance of software applications, ensuring they meet the high demands of computational research
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks, memory usage issues, and other technical challenges
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for software issues, assisting researchers in overcoming obstacles
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for software tools, including user guides, technical specifications, and troubleshooting procedures
• Stay up to date with advancements in software engineering and computational research technologies

Additional responsibilities of higher level positions include:

• Propose and implement new features, improvements, and updates to enhance the functionality and usability of software tools
• Lead or participate in software development projects, including planning, development, testing, and deployment phases
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure successful and timely completion of software initiatives
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Required skills and/or experience include:

• Code analysis
• Cross-team collaboration
• Data Analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Programming
• Software architecture
• Software development
• Software testing
• Technology acumen
• Trend analysis

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Active or recently active TS/SCI clearance
• A Master's degree in Geography is preferred

Your work location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Scientific Computing Software Specialist (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Scientific Computing Software Specialist (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

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 $110,520.00 - $209,640.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

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 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines.

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