Technical Engineering Project Manager

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount (75%)

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Technical Engineering Project Manager to lead day-to-day execution of complex projects within the Mission Systems Department. This on-site role in State College, PA, bridges technology and operations, guiding schedules, budgets, and deliverables for DoD-related programs.

Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering foundation, excellent written and verbal communication, and practical project management experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 6+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional track.
• 3+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional track.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for technical projects or defined workstreams.
• Define and monitor scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align resources and objectives.
• Develop and deliver project status reports and briefings to sponsors.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Clear written/verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Project management

Idea articulation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

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 searching for a highly motivated Technical Engineering Project Manager to join our Mission Systems Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our mission is to support research, design and application of engineering development methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. This role will lead the day-to-day tactical execution of complex technical projects and sub-portions of major programs and serve as the nexus between technology and operations, delivering integrated solutions to real-world mission challenges.

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

You Will:

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for technical projects or defined workstreams within larger, complex programs
• Define, maintain, and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful execution
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering, operations, and support teams to align resources and achieve project objectives
• Develop and deliver technical project status reports, updates, and briefings to sponsors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate and support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration efforts, and other key project activities
• Monitor project performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies to identify and address potential issues
• Lead configuration management and change-control activities to effectively manage evolving project requirements and baselines
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, and work breakdown structures
• Oversee project documentation and support sponsor reviews, technical evaluations, and audits
• Support the transition of research and emerging technologies into development, demonstration, and field-ready systems
• Provide technical expertise and contribute to proposal development, project planning, and new business opportunities as needed

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Serve as the primary liaison between resource managers/supervisors to facilitate staff allocation and support project execution
• Provide the technical portion of status reports to the sponsor or for submission to sponsor
• Supervise and support project reviews, ensuring all required technical, managerial, and customer approvals are obtained
• Conduct project performance analysis during and after project phase-down to inform and improve future programs
• Balance a mix of technical and non-technical program responsibilities, applying both strategic insight and hands‑on management
• Support and coordinate technical reviews, design milestones, and system integration activities by collaborating closely with lead engineers and principal investigators
• Ensure technical deliverables align with sponsor expectations, laboratory capabilities, and broader programmatic goals; track earned value, project performance metrics, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders
• May mentor, indirectly supervise, or directly oversee staff depending on assignment level

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Strong engineering foundation supporting system-level technical discussions
• Ability to clearly convey technical and programmatic information verbally and in writing
• Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project
• Project management fundamentals
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success within a University Affiliated Research Center/Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or government laboratory
• Mission engineering, systems integration, or Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Project Management Professional or similar formal project management training
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret 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.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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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