Secure Systems R&D Engineer — Hybrid/Remote, Clearance Eligible

The Pennsylvania State University; Corridor North (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,520 - 240,960; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a self‑motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL).

You will research secure design, leverage software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise to support sponsors, lead projects, and mentor junior engineers, with on-site and remote work options from Reston, VA; Annapolis Junction, MD; or State College, PA.

Qualifications

• Documented application of software or system engineering principles.
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration.
• Fundamentals of computer networking and Windows/*NIX admin.
• Programming in C, Java, Python and related environments.
• 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 and hardening techniques.
• Leverage software engineering, sysadmin, and cybersecurity expertise.
• Support sponsor discussions, prepare technical materials, and correspond on projects.
• Improve processes for technical controls, architecture, and security test projects.
• Apply project management to lead tasks or projects.
• Provide guidance to junior R&D Engineers for growth.
• Understand strategic objectives and maintain major customer relations.
• Identify follow-on grant work and persuade sponsors to fund it.
• Initiate new project concepts, develop proposals, and present to sponsors.
• Mentor department staff in technical, project, and business skills.

Skills

Software engineering

System engineering

Embedded systems

Networking

Windows/*NIX administration

C, Java, Python

Cybersecurity testing tools

Technical communication

Government security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Ansible

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a self‑motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL).

You will research secure design, leverage software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise to support sponsors, lead projects, and mentor junior engineers, with on-site and remote work options from Reston, VA; Annapolis Junction, MD; or State College, PA.