Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTC) Research and Development Engineer

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

Position

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 awareness of emerging Strategic Requirements from the Special Operations, Sensitive Technical Operations, and key Intelligence Community partners. The department provides Technical Coordination and Support to this community by supporting the design and implementation of technologies to support unique requirements. The SRTC Deputy Department Head will report to the SRTS Department Head and assist in managing the department’s research engineers and program managers, liaising with Division Leadership in State College. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes 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 including 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

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Deep understanding of the current Strategic Operational Environment, including 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 these partners
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management 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
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills able to articulate needs and impact clearly to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, and shape forward-looking strategies
• Experience in business and/or program management, including budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning
• Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility to work across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators and partners

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, requires: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 19+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None. If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, requires: Bachelor’s Degree in 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 DoD, and the Intel Community.

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. U.S. citizenship is required to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents. For more details, visit the Benefits Page.

EEO & Compliance

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of 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.