Software Engineer

Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in Reston, VA seeks software engineers to join the CIAO team. You will develop full-stack software, work with hardware, build cloud solutions, and perform data analysis to transform raw data into actionable insights.

Ideal candidates have Python and Linux/bash skills, with optional Rust/C/C++ and cloud experience, and may pursue DoD-related development or AI/ML model evaluation. Clearances may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• No required certifications.
• Security clearance eligibility may be required.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Python

Linux/bash

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

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.

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 retire