Technical Engineering Project Manager

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 106,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA seeks a Technical Engineering Project Manager to lead complex engineering projects and integrate technical work with operations. The role reports to ARL leadership and collaborates across disciplines to deliver mission-ready solutions.

Position emphasizes project execution, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communications. On-site work in State College, with a strong benefits package and educational discounts for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; 8+ years relevant experience or equivalent
• Senior/Principal level based on experience and education
• Certifications are optional

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of complex engineering project tasks and work packages to meet objectives
• Define and monitor scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Coordinate across engineering, operations, and support teams for alignment
• Serve as liaison with resource managers to secure staffing and resources
• Develop and deliver technical status updates and progress reports to sponsors

Skills

Engineering foundation

MS Office

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

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 self-starting 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:

• Lead the execution of complex engineering project tasks and technical work packages to achieve program objectives
• Define, maintain, and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering, operations, and support teams to ensure alignment and successful project execution
• Serve as a liaison with resource managers to coordinate staffing needs and ensure appropriate resources are available to support project objectives
• Develop and deliver technical status updates, project briefings, and progress reports to sponsors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate and support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration activities, and other key project events
• Monitor earned value, performance metrics, project risks, and mitigation strategies to identify and address potential issues
• Manage configuration and change control processes to maintain accurate and controlled project baselines
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, and work breakdown structures to support effective planning and execution

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Oversee the collection and archival of project documentation, including technical reports, meeting minutes, lessons learned, and close-out reports
• Support the preparation and delivery of technical presentations, briefings, and status reports to sponsors, leadership, and external collaborators
• Ensure project execution complies with internal policies, customer requirements, and applicable government regulations
• Support internal audits or sponsor reviews by providing accurate, timely project documentation and analysis
• Assist with the transition of research to development or field-ready systems by coordinating planning, demonstrations, and documentation
• Contribute in a technical capacity to projects and/or programs, as needed
• May support proposal preparation by contributing schedule estimates, risk assessments, and technical input as needed
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Engineering foundation with the ability to contribute effectively to system-level technical discussions and decision-making
• 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) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None 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

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.

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 $105,900.00 - $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.

For further information on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

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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