Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Computer Engineer

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $92K - $201K 💻 Other 🗓️ July 2nd, 2026
Python Top Secret

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Computer Engineer to join the Access and Evaluation Department within the Multimodal Sensing and Systems Division of the Applied Research Laboratory. The role requires full-stack software development, including low-level coding, hardware interaction, cloud solutions, and data analysis to support advanced research in electromagnetics, quantum sciences, and sensors, collaborating across various divisions.

Highlights
  • Develop full-stack software including low-level code, cloud solutions, data engineering, and front-end tools for data analysts.
  • Conduct multi-modal data analysis and exploratory data analysis to test hypotheses.
  • Implement, test, and evaluate competing software models and support test & evaluation activities.
  • Develop data analytics techniques and apply algorithms to large structured and unstructured datasets.
  • Visualize and report data findings using programming languages and visualization software.
  • Required skills: Python, Linux (bash and shell scripting), and cloud architectures.
  • Preferred skills: Java or C/C++, DoD software development environment experience, AI/ML model development or evaluation.
  • Minimum education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or science; experience requirements vary by professional level (none to 5+ years).
  • Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for Secret or Top Secret security clearance and comply with DoD regulations.
  • Salary range: $92,100 to $200,808 with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Computer Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


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 seeking highly motivated Computer Engineers to join our Access and Evaluation (A&E) Department within the Multimodal Sensing and Systems (MSS) Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.  As part of the MSS Division, you will support our mission by focusing on nascent technologies in the areas of electromagnetics, electromagnetic maneuver warfare, quantum sciences, and sensors through cross-division and cross-office collaborations.

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

You will:
  • Develop software and approaches for full-stack development, including low-level code, working directly with hardware, developing cloud solutions, data engineering for information storage and retrieval, and development of front-end tools for use by data analysts
  • Conduct data analysis, incorporating multiple data modalities and formats and exploratory data analysis for testing hypothesis
  • Implement, test, and evaluate services to compare models competing to solve the same problem; support test and evaluation of software and models
  • Develop and implement data analytics techniques and applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software
  • Develop and apply algorithms and prototypes to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets that support analytics objectives
  • Visualize, interpret, and report data findings in dynamic data reports

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Python
  • Linux, including familiarity with bash and shell scripts
  • Cloud architectures

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Additional computer programing languages such as Java, or C/C++
  • Development of software within DoD development environment
  • Development or evaluation of AI/ML models
  • A degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or applied mathematics
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret or Top 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 onsite in State College, PA.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Computer Engineering (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position 
requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Computer Engineering (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Computer Engineering (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.
 
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.