Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

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

Position Overview

We are searching for a self‑motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The department provides technical expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support system evaluation and provide security hardening support to various sponsors.

You will

• Research cutting‑edge techniques and technologies for secure system design, implementation, and hardening
• Leverage expertise in software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements
• Assist the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on‑site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project‑related correspondence
• Provide process enhancement for technical controls implementation, architectural enhancements, and security test and evaluation projects
• Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects
• Provide guidance to lower‑level R&D Engineers to foster professional growth

Additional Responsibilities (Higher Level Position)

• Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding
• Identify grant/project follow‑on work and persuade customers/grantors to fund; impact customer decisions and strategies
• Initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develop technical proposals, and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors
• Mentor department staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills

Required Skills/Experience

• Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration
• Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating system administration
• Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (including C, Java, and Python)
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing / penetration testing tools and methodologies
• Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level

Preferred Skills/Experience

• AI to security testing, evaluation, and issue mitigation / remediation
• Microcontroller or single board computer design/implementation (e.g., Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi), radio frequency signal analysis, or industrial control system communication protocol security
• Demonstrated history of successful project initiation efforts
• Automation of cybersecurity testing workflows (e.g., using Ansible playbooks)
• Agile software development methodology and tools
• Atlassian products (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

Work Location & Travel

Your work location will be project‑dependent with the ability for on‑site/work from home, based out of Reston, VA (preferred), Annapolis Junction, MD, or State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Research and Development Engineer – Systems (ARL) – Advanced Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.
• Research and Development Engineer – Systems (ARL) – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.
• Research and Development Engineer – Systems (ARL) – Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, no prior relevant work experience required, no required certifications.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. 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. U.S. citizenship is required.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 – $240,960.00. This range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time). Employees and eligible spouses and children receive a generous 75% tuition discount.

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.