Sustainment Information Systems Software Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an experienced Sustainment Systems R&D Engineer to advance defense software solutions. You will drive design, architecture, and deployment of enterprise sustainment information systems, with emphasis on cloud-native, DevOps, and NAVSEA environments.

The role requires strong collaboration with DoD stakeholders, mentorship of junior engineers, and ability to translate technical findings into executive-level presentations and proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required.
• 14+ years of software engineering/DevOps experience for senior track; 5+ years for advanced track.
• Experience deploying NAVSEA cloud solutions and modern sustainment systems.
• Strong collaboration with DoD stakeholders and sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of sustainment information systems for defense applications.
• Define enterprise information system architectures and transform defense sustainment processes.
• Prototype cloud-native architectures and implement DevOps practices (Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD).
• Deliver reports and present findings to executives; contribute to proposals and risk assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate with sponsors and Penn State personnel.

Skills

DevOps

Kubernetes

Docker

GitLab CI/CD

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking an experienced Sustainment Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Sustainment Information Systems Department. ARL's mission is to deliver innovative engineering and technology solutions in support of the Department of Defense (DoD).

In this role, you will leverage your expertise in DevOps, enterprise architectures, digital transformation, and sustainment system software engineering to support applied research in defense applications, with an emphasis on NAVSEA environments and submarine platform support.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military members.

You Will

• Lead and support the design, development, and deployment of advanced sustainment information systems for defense applications
• Define enterprise information system architectures and implement digital transformation best practices to optimize defense sustainment processes
• Prototype and demonstrate enterprise systems architectures leveraging modern cloud-native and DevOps approaches (Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD pipelines)
• Apply expertise in cloud, container orchestration, and software lifecycle automation to enterprise sustainment challenges
• Investigate and implement emerging technologies to enhance logistics, training, and sustainment systems
• Deliver professional reports and executive-level presentations documenting findings and recommendations
• Contribute to technical proposals, risk assessments, and cost/effort estimates for research initiatives
• Collaborate with government and industry sponsors as well as Penn State faculty on applied research projects
• Mentor junior engineers in software engineering, DevOps practices, and project execution
• Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes: Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the development and implementation of software systems; Engage with the sponsor and external collaborators to coordinate the development of complex software systems

Required skills/experience areas

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or related discipline; advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering, DevOps, and enterprise systems development
• Experience deploying solutions in NAVSEA cloud environments
• Experience working with and modernizing current sustainment information systems used by Trident Refit Facilities
• Proven ability to collaborate with DoD stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate solution paths, and deliver technical capabilities
• Demonstrated success driving digital transformation initiatives using cloud-native architectures and CI/CD automation
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, Helm, and supporting enterprise sustainment platforms
• Background in developing sustainment software solutions for defense applications.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams

Preferred skills/experience areas

• Certifications in Kubernetes, Azure, Scrum, and Security+ (as held by strong candidates)
• Published research or technical documentation in enterprise sustainment or digital engineering

This position will be fully on-stie located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional
  • Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
  • 14+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None
• Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional
  • 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