Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a self-motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to advance secure system design and hardening across DoD-oriented projects in cyberspace operations. The role blends software engineering, cyber defense, and system administration for sponsor-driven tasks.

Responsibilities include leading technical discussions with sponsors, guiding junior engineers, developing proposals, and coordinating security testing.

Qualifications

• Experience applying software or systems engineering principles.
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration.
• Networking fundamentals and Windows/UNIX administration.
• Proficient in C, Java, and Python programming languages.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing tools and penetration testing methods.
• Ability to clearly present technical information to senior leaders.
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level.

Responsibilities

• Research secure system design, implementation, and hardening.
• Leverage software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise.
• Maintain sponsor relationships through on-site technical discussions and presentations.
• Improve processes for technical controls, architecture, and security testing.
• Apply project management methods to lead tasks or projects.
• Provide guidance to junior R&D engineers for growth.
• Identify grant/funding opportunities and influence customer decisions.
• Develop proposals and presentations to customers and sponsors.
• Mentor staff in technical, project, and business development skills.

Skills

Software engineering principles

Embedded or cloud development

Networking fundamentals

Windows/UNIX administration

C, Java, Python

Cybersecurity testing tools

Technical communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

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.

Key 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
• 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

• 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

• 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)

Work Location and Travel

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, Experience & 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. 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.

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