Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 92,100 - 200,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer for its Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and hardening secure systems in collaboration with sponsors and ARL staff.

Responsibilities include researching advanced security techniques, integrating software and network solutions, coordinating with sponsors through on-site discussions, and guiding junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles.
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration.
• Computer networking fundamentals; Windows and Unix administration.
• Software programming and development environments (C, Java, Python).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing tools and methodologies.
• Ability to express technical information clearly for senior leaders.
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level.

Responsibilities

• Research cutting-edge techniques and technologies for secure system design, implementation, and hardening.
• Leverage software, system administration, and cybersecurity expertise to address needs and explore solutions.
• Assist leadership in sponsor communications and project-related correspondence on-site.
• Provide process enhancements for technical controls, architecture, and security test projects.
• Apply project management principles to lead tasks or projects.
• Mentor lower-level R&D engineers for growth.

Skills

Software engineering

System engineering

Networking fundamentals

Windows administration

Unix administration

C

Java

Python

Cybersecurity testing

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer, Cyberspace Operations Research Department, Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Penn State.

Position Overview

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

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 and grantors of external research and development grant funding.
• Identify grant/project follow‑on work and persuade customers and grantors to fund; impact customer decisions and strategies.
• Initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develop technical proposals and make presentations to customers and grant sponsors.
• Mentor department staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills.

Required Skills and Experience

• Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles.
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration.
• Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and Unix operating system administration.
• Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (including at minimum C, Java, and Python).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing and 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 and Experience

• AI to security testing, evaluation, and issue mitigation or remediation.
• Microcontroller or single board computer design and 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

Project‑dependent; ability for on‑site or work from home, based out of Reston, VA (preferred), Annapolis Junction, MD, or State College, PA. Periodic travel to remote locations for testing may be required.

Minimum Education, Experience & Required Certifications

Minimum qualifications vary by level:

• Advanced Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; no prior relevant work experience required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $92,100.00 – $200,808.00. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. Candidates must be eligible for a government security clearance, participate in ARL drug testing, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. Only U.S. citizens may apply.

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.