Software Developer Research and Development Engineer

Software Developer

We are seeking a talented, experienced, and highly-motivated Software Developer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing our customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support software based solutions.

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

You will:

Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions

Lead complex software development projects from architecture to delivery

Work with data scientists to transition research-level code into production-level software applications using sound software development principles

Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior developers

Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system efficiency

Maintain and improve existing codebases and development practices

Ensure software follows modern security and compliance best practices

Stay current with emerging technologies and propose their adoption when applicable

Execute tasking within an Agile development process

Additional responsibilities of the higher level include:

Coordinate Software Engineering related research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches

Mentor and train employees in the development of software related technical, project, and business development skills

Required skills/experience areas include:

Fluency in Python

Fluency in JAVA

Fluency in SQL

Background in database design (SQL and NoSQL)

Strong knowledge of APIs (RESTful and/or GraphQL)

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Experience with microservices architecture

Exposure to AI/ML frameworks or tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Solid experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices

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 either State College, PA or Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

14+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

5+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

2+ 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $191,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.