Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 76,700 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and families

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer for its Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role involves researching secure system design, maintaining sponsor relationships, and providing project management support.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, a strong software engineering background, and the ability to work on diverse cybersecurity projects. Competitive salary range spans $76,700.00 to $164,000.00 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional position.
• 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate Professional position.
• No prior experience needed for Professional position.

Responsibilities

• Research cutting edge techniques for secure systems.
• Leverage software engineering and cybersecurity knowledge.
• Maintain relationships with sponsors through technical discussions.
• Provide process enhancements for security projects.
• Apply project management principles to tasks.
• Guide lower-level engineers.

Skills

Software engineering principles

System engineering principles

Embedded system development

Secure configuration

Windows and *NIX operating system administration

Programming in C, Java, Python

Cybersecurity testing methodologies

Government security clearance at SECRET level

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Ansible

JIRA

Confluence

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 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.

Remote and Hybrid Work

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 areas

• 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

• 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 (e.g., oscilloscopes, SpecAns, SDRs), 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

Your work location will be project‑dependent and may involve on‑site or work‑from‑home arrangements, 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 – Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None.
If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None.
If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Professional: Bachelor's Degree in 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. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 – $164,000.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation and sick time; and a generous 75% tuition discount available to employees, eligible spouses, and children.

EEO Statement

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.