Strategic R&D Engineer — Lead, Mission-Critical Tech

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,004 - 265,704; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents

medical, dental, and vision coverage

competitive retirement plans

paid time off

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Research and Development Engineer for its Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination Department. This position involves providing strategic and technical leadership within the SRTC department and supporting the development of sensitive technologies for high-risk sponsors.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science with extensive relevant experience. A complete benefits package, including medical and retirement plans, is offered.

Qualifications

• 19+ years of relevant experience for Principal Professional role.
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional role.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership within the SRTC department.
• Support the development of technologies for sensitive sponsor bases.
• Maintain awareness of technology expertise across the ARL.
• Secure funding and lead R&D programs from concept to delivery.
• Foster a culture of excellence and lead collaborative teams.

Skills

Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Deep understanding of the current Strategic Operational Environment

Experience working with Special Operations or Intelligence Community

Leadership in technical program management

Strong executive presence

Ability to manage complex organizational dynamics

Business and program management experience

Interpersonal agility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Research and Development Engineer for the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTC) Department, within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division (S3) under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. S3 specializes in research, development and application of technical solutions aimed at understanding, shaping and exploiting the electromagnetic environment to maintain advantage. S3 consists of 5 departments: Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management; Electromagnetic Effects and Applications; Applied Signals and System Integration; Comprehensive Software Solutions; Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTS). SRTS provides S3 and A2SO awareness of emerging Strategic Requirements emergent from the Special Operations, Sensitive Technical Operations, and key Intelligence Community partners. Further the department providers Technical Coordination and Support to this community by providing critical developmental support and the ability to assist in the design and implementation of technologies to support unique requirements. The SRTC Deputy Department Head will report directly to the SRTS Department Head and be responsible for assisting in managing the department’s research engineers and program managers, and liaise with Division Leadership in State College. This position will be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

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

You Will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership within the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (STRC) department and, as applicable, direct support to S3 Division and the Lab’s Mission
• Support the development of technologies and operations to support an extremely sensitive and high-risk sponsor base
• Maintain awareness of technology expertise across the ARL and actively pair that expertise with sponsors early in the development/design of sensitive technologies
• Maintain awareness of emergent requirements and needs within the Special Operations, Special Technical, and Intelligence Communities, and pair those requirements with capability providers within ARL
• Support the geographically displaced Program/Project Management team at multiple sponsor critical locations to include University Park, PA.
• Build and lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel in support of Sponsor requirements
• Build and maintain strong academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning STRC as a critical mission partner across ARL divisions and offices
• Secure funding and lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of program goals, outcomes and resource needs
• Be prepared to travel as required for sponsor engagements, technology conferences, and potential OCONUS testing and evaluation
• Manage department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and proposal development.
• Foster a culture of excellence, cohesion and professional development; lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate
• Act as Department Head in the absence
  
  

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Deep understanding of the current Strategic Operational Environment, to include DoD guidance and planning
• Experience working directly for, or within Special Operations, Special Mission, or Intelligence Community units/activities, and the ability to liaise with and through these mission partners
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management, with experience operating in high- growth, mission-driven, and research-oriented environments
• Experience as a Principal Investigator, Technical Lead, Operational or Compartmented Planner, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts to support sensitive activities or special technical delivery
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills-able to articulate needs, requirements and impact clearly to diverse audiences in various formats
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, lead through challenges and shape forward-looking strategies
• Demonstrated strength in business and/or program management capabilities, including experience managing budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning
• Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators and partners, with a proven ability to establish credibility, influence outcomes, and build trust
  
  

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ 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).

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 $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.

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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