Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

Reston (VA)

On-site

USD 110,520 - 240,960

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

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

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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 (i.e. Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc), radio frequency signal analysis (i.e. 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 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

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): 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. 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.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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 our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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.