Secure Systems R&D Engineer — Hybrid/Remote

Penn State University; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 110,520 - 240,960; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a self‑motivated Secure Systems R&D Engineer to advance secure system design, implementation, and hardening. The role blends software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to support sponsors and DoD‑aligned objectives.

The position requires overseeing technical discussions with sponsors, facilitating project proposals, and guiding junior engineers in professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience applying software or system engineering principles.
• Embedded or cloud development and secure configuration.
• Networking fundamentals; Windows and Linux administration.
• Proficient in programming: C, Java, Python.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing tools and methodologies.
• Ability to present technical information clearly to senior leaders.
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level.

Responsibilities

• Research secure system design, implementation, and hardening techniques.
• Leverage software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise to meet sponsor needs.
• Support sponsor relationships through on-site discussions, technical materials, and correspondence.
• Improve processes for technical controls, architecture, and security test projects.
• Apply project management methods to lead tasks or small projects.
• Mentor lower-level R&D engineers for growth.

Skills

Software engineering

System engineering

Cybersecurity

Networking basics

Windows/Linux

Technical writing

SECRET clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Ansible

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a self‑motivated Secure Systems R&D Engineer to advance secure system design, implementation, and hardening. The role blends software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to support sponsors and DoD‑aligned objectives.

The position requires overseeing technical discussions with sponsors, facilitating project proposals, and guiding junior engineers in professional growth.