Senior Defense Vehicle Sustainment Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking an Operations Research and Development Engineer with senior military logistics experience to lead sponsor engagement in vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research. Expect collaboration with DoD stakeholders and translating operational needs into R&D objectives.

The role requires broad knowledge of ground vehicle operations, sustainment engineering, and defense R&D sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior military logistics officer or equivalent
• Understanding of ground vehicle operations and related IT/logistics systems
• Ability to translate sustainment challenges into actionable R&D objectives
• Eligibility for security clearances and handling sensitive information
• Proven track record in sponsor engagement within defense R&D environments

Responsibilities

• Lead sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios
• Maintain and expand strategic relationships with military stakeholders (USMC, Army, logistics communities)
• Provide SME on military ground vehicle operations and sustainment processes
• Shape research directions to meet operational sustainment needs
• Mentor staff in sponsor engagement, program execution, and sustainment concepts
• Advise on DoD acquisition pathways and requirements
• Contribute to proposals, program planning, and strategic technology roadmaps for ASTD

Skills

Military logistics

DoD acquisition

Vehicle operations

Sponsor relationships

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking an Operations Research and Development Engineer with senior military logistics experience to lead sponsor engagement in vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research. Expect collaboration with DoD stakeholders and translating operational needs into R&D objectives.

The role requires broad knowledge of ground vehicle operations, sustainment engineering, and defense R&D sponsorship.