Software Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking Software Engineers to join the CIAO department in Reston, VA, focusing on AI, information dominance, and cyber warfare. You will work on full-stack development, data analysis, and model evaluation, collaborating across divisions and sponsor locations.

Ideal candidates have Python and Linux experience, familiarity with bash, and knowledge of Rust/C/C++ plus cloud architectures.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and Linux with bash/shell scripting.
• Knowledge of Rust, C/C++ and cloud architectures is preferred.
• Experience or familiarity with DoD development environments is desirable.
• Degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics preferred.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for full-stack development, including hardware interaction and cloud solutions.
• Perform data analysis across multiple modalities to test hypotheses.
• Evaluate services comparing models and support evaluation of software and models.
• Create data analytics applications transforming raw data into meaningful information.
• Develop and apply algorithms to extract insights from large datasets.
• Visualize and report data findings in dynamic reports.

Skills

Python

Linux

Bash/Shell

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics

Tools

Rust

C/C++

Cloud architectures

AI/ML models

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully onsite in Reston, VA with occasional travel to sponsor locations in the National Capital Region.

We are seeking highly motivated Software Engineers to join Cyber, Intelligence, Analytics, & Operations (CIAO) Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As part of CIAO, you will support our mission by focusing on nascent technologies in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Information Dominance, and Cyber Warfare through cross-division and cross-office collaborations.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• Develop software and approaches for full-stack development, including low-level code, working directly with hardware, developing cloud solutions, data engineering for information storage and retrieval, and development of front-end tools for use by data analysts
• Conduct data analysis, incorporating multiple data modalities and formats and exploratory data analysis for testing hypothesis
• Implement, test, and evaluate services to compare models competing to solve the same problem; support test and evaluation of software and models
• Develop and implement data analytics techniques and applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software
• Develop and apply algorithms and prototypes to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets that support analytics objectives
• Visualize, interpret, and report data findings in dynamic data reports

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Python
• Linux, including familiarity with bash and shell scripts

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Additional computer programing languages such as Rust, C/C++
• Cloud architectures
• Development of software within DoD development environment
• Development or evaluation of AI/ML models
• A degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret or Top-Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 $127,080.00 - $209,640.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

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.

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.