Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

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

Position specifics

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 Cyberspace Operations Research Department provides technical expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support system evaluation and provide security hardening support to various sponsors.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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 for higher level position includes

• 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 technical, project, and business development skills.

Required skills/experience areas include

• 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 (to include at a minimum 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 to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making.
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level.

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• AI to security testing, evaluation, and issue mitigation / remediation.
• Microcontroller or single board computer design/implementation (e.g., Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc), radio frequency signal analysis (e.g., oscilloscopes, SpecAns, SDRs, etc), 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).

Your work location will be project‑dependent with 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 in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science. No prior relevant work experience required. Required Certifications: None.

Background checks / clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) requires eligibility to obtain a government security clearance, participation in the ARL drug testing program, and compliance 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 – $240,960.00. This salary 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. 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 the Benefits Page.

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.