Secure Systems R&D Engineer — Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 110,520 - 240,960; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a self-motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on secure system design, hardening, and testing across embedded and cloud environments.

Candidates will leverage software engineering and system administration expertise and may lead projects, mentor junior staff, and engage with sponsors through on-site discussions and technical presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• 5+ years relevant experience for higher level, 2+ years for intermediate, or no experience for entry level variants.
• Must be able to obtain government security clearance (SECRET).

Responsibilities

• Research secure system design and hardening techniques.
• Apply software/system engineering principles to cyber projects.
• Support sponsor relationships and present technical materials.
• Lead tasks using project management methods and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Software engineering

System administration

Cybersecurity

Networking fundamentals

Programming: C, Java, Python

Clear technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Windows & Linux administration

Cybersecurity testing tools

Embedded/cloud development

Ansible (automation)

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a self-motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on secure system design, hardening, and testing across embedded and cloud environments.

Candidates will leverage software engineering and system administration expertise and may lead projects, mentor junior staff, and engage with sponsors through on-site discussions and technical presentations.