Technical Engineering Project Manager (KEYPORT, WA)

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 116,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks an experienced Technical Engineering Project Manager to lead day-to-day tactical execution of complex technical projects within the Undersea Systems Office. You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, drive milestones, manage risks, and ensure deliverables meet sponsor expectations.

The role requires a strong technical foundation, experience with Navy programs, and eligibility for Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with US Navy advanced undersea systems acquisition, design, fabrication, testing, operation.
• Proven project management experience on US Navy programs and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to support development of engineering concepts into fielded systems.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret/SCI level.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for one or more technical projects in alignment with customer requirements.
• Coordinate with multi-functional teams to ensure project milestones are met.
• Oversee project reviews and secure required technical, managerial, and customer approvals.
• Balance technical and program responsibilities with strategic insight and hands-on management.
• Support technical reviews, design milestones, and system integration activities with lead engineers and PIs.
• Track project performance metrics and provide regular status updates to sponsors and leadership.
• Identify and manage risks across technical, schedule, and resource dimensions; develop mitigation plans.
• Assist with proposal planning including schedule estimates and risk assessments; may supervise staff.

Skills

US Navy undersea systems

Project management

Communication

Top Secret/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

We are searching for an experienced Technical Engineering Project Manager to join the Project Management & Controls Department within the Systems and Emerging Capabilities Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The primary purpose of this position is to lead the day-to-day tactical execution of one or more complex technical projects and/or sub-portion(s) of a large program within the Undersea Systems Office. The role requires a strong technical foundation to effectively manage and support multi-disciplinary teams working on advanced research and development efforts and to drive project execution to align outcomes with program objectives. Location will be Keyport, WA.

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

You will:

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for one or more technical projects and/or sub-portion(s) of a large program in alignment with customer requirements
• Coordinate and communicate with multi-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and support staff, to ensure project milestones are met
• Oversee and support project reviews, ensuring all required technical, managerial, and customer approvals are obtained
• Balance a mix of technical and non-technical program responsibilities, applying both strategic insight and hands-on management
• Support 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 project performance metrics, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders
• Identify and proactively manage risks across technical, schedule, and resource dimensions; develop and maintain mitigation plans
• 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
• 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

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Recognize emerging trends in area of expertise
• Work independently on complex issues
• Anticipate potential problems and recommend possible solutions
• Review work of others to verify technical soundness
• Prepare written and/or verbal presentations on complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Significant experience and subject matter expertise with US Navy advanced undersea systems including their acquisition, design, fabrication, testing, operation, and maintenance
• Successful record of project management experience on US Navy programs and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to support development of engineering concepts into fielded systems
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding.
• Past success in writing white papers or reports.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems methodically.
• Proactive, quality-conscious individual who thrives in customer-facing roles.
• Program/Project Management training and/or certification.

Your working location will be fully on-site located in Keyport, WA. This role may require periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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). 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 $116,496.00 - $254,100.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

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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