Software Research and Development Engineer

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 122,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a highly motivated researcher to join the Comprehensive Software Solutions department. The role focuses on AI/ML, DL, and Generative AI, with emphasis on adversarial, safe, and agentic AI, contributing to sponsor-driven and internal ARL projects.

On-site work in State College, PA, with potential periodic travel to remote locations. The position values a strong research record and ability to translate concepts into impactful

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in ML concepts including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning.
• Hands-on model development with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
• Python and scientific computing libraries (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy).
• Data preprocessing and feature engineering on structured/unstructured data.
• Solid understanding of statistics, probability, optimization, and linear algebra.
• Design and implement deep neural networks (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Experience training/evaluating models on GPU hardware.
• Ability to run reproducible experiments with clear docs.
• Integrate AI/ML models into software systems.
• Model validation, benchmarking, and performance tuning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in AI/ML and related fields.
• Develop novel methods and technologies addressing AI challenges for sponsors.
• Communicate results via reports, publications, and presentations.
• Contribute to publications, white papers, and study plans in AI/ML.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to prototype mission-focused solutions.
• Lead tasks or contribute as part of a group to accomplish larger objectives.

Skills

ML fundamentals

ML frameworks

Python + scientific libs

Data preprocessing

Statistics & linear algebra

CNN/RNN/Transformers

GPU training/evaluation

Reproducible experiments

Software engineering practices

Cross-team communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Master's or Doctorate in CS/AI/Math

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our Comprehensive Software Solutions (CSS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. CSS applies a wide variety of software concepts, techniques, and languages to solve challenging problems for ARL's sponsors as well as internally for ARL's needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of innovative research and a demonstrated ability to transition concepts into impactful technical capabilities especially with respect to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL) and Generative AI but more specifically in the areas of adversarial, safe, and/or agentic AI.

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

You will:

• Conduct advanced research in AI/ML, software engineering, computational systems, or related fields
• Develop novel methods, models, and technologies that address emerging challenges with respect to AI relevant to our sponsor base
• Communicate results through technical reports, publications, and presentations to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors
• Contribute to publications, white papers, technical memos, and/or study plans especially in the field of AI/ML
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design, prototype, and evaluate mission-focused solutions
• Perform larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and leading tasks

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Strong foundation in machine learning concepts, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning
• Hands-on development of models using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing libraries (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy)
• Data preprocessing, feature engineering, and working with structured and unstructured datasets
• Solid understanding of statistics, probability, optimization, and linear algebra
• Design and implemention deep neural networks, including CNNs, RNNs, or Transformer-based architectures
• Familiarity with training and evaluating models on GPU-accelerated hardware
• Ability to build reproducible experiments and maintain clear documentation
• Integrating AI/ML models into software systems or prototypes
• Best practices for model validation, benchmarking, and performance tuning
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to formulate research questions into practical ML tasks
• Version control, testing, and modern software engineering practices
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated track record of research, publications, or impactful project contributions in AI/ML

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mathematics or a closely related field
• Explainable AI, trustworthy AI, or robust/adversarial ML
• Background working with large-scale datasets, streaming data, or multimodal sensor data
• Deployment practices (Docker, containerized ML services, ML pipeline tools)
• Applied research environments or mission-focused systems development
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position may also require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications:None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site 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

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 $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.

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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