Pennsylvania State University
Data Science Research and Development Engineer
🇺🇸 University Park, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $109K - $191K
💻 Data Science
🗓️ December 2nd, 2025
Python
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Data Science Research and Development Engineer. The role involves leading programs and collaborating with geospatial data analysts to develop algorithms and processes that transform geospatial and open-source data into actionable spatiotemporal information, supporting research with applications in defense, law enforcement, disaster response, and related fields.
Highlights
- Lead programs and teams in a collaborative geospatial data science environment.
- Collaborate with analysts to automate workflows and improve modeling of trends and system dynamics.
- Develop algorithms to convert GEOINT and open-source data into spatiotemporal representations of places, events, and activities.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, C++, or Matlab required.
- Apply scientific methods across multiple disciplines to advance data and geospatial sciences.
- Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and experience with DoD/IC operational environments, Git, GUI development, scientific computation, computer vision, modeling, or machine learning.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with 5+ years (Advanced Professional) or 14+ years (Senior Professional) of relevant experience.
- The salary range is $109,300 to $191,000, subject to geographic differentials.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a government security clearance; background check and pre-employment drug screen required.
- Location: State College, PA, with no guarantee of remote or hybrid work approval.
Data Science Research and Development Engineer Full Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
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 looking for Data Science Engineers, to join our Geospatial Data Science team in the Applied Research You will aid our research efforts in this unique problem area that has applications in defense, law enforcement, security, disaster relief, human geography, disaster preparedness, and first response. Our team is interested in both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds and multidisciplinary points-of-view.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Lead programs and teams and be part of a highly collaborative environment
- Collaborate with geospatial data analysts to understand and automate workflows and improve human processes to advance the discovery and modeling of associations, trends, patterns and system dynamics
- Support the creation of processes and algorithms to transform traditional GEOINT and open-source data into spatiotemporal information describing places, events, and activities
- Combine full spectrum source data with modeling capabilities that associate real world objects to known signatures and doctrines
- Develop the ability to discover and capture information from geospatial data to better represent the most advanced understanding of world events, systems, and discrete entities
- Apply the scientific method across multiple disciplines to advance data and geospatial sciences and develop data analytics through systematic experimentation
- Support scientific research projects and develop geospatial algorithms while collaborating among diverse domains to further scientific understanding and the use of analytic tools
- Grow in career and capabilities, plan and conduct applied research, provide technical guidance and oversight, lead small-to-medium research efforts, report results, foster trusted relationships with sponsors, and advise on new and evolving technology and techniques
- Engage in research efforts ranging from proof-of-concept through integrated production systems
Required skills/knowledge areas include:
- Relevant work in Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, or Geospatial Sciences
- Ability to design experiments, perform analysis, and design or apply meaningful metrics to measure results
- Adapt and learn new skills, to execute specific research projects, and to meet task deadlines and goals
- Computer programming in one or more of the following: Python, R, Java, C++, or Matlab
- Highly adaptable, creative, lateral thinkers that enjoy a collaborative environment
- Excellent communication skills, be dependable, responsive, curious, collaborative, and have high interpersonal skills
Preferred skills/knowledge areas include:
- A Master's degree
- Work within DoD/IC Analysis or Operational environments
- Git, GUI development, open source scientific computation, computer vision, modeling, or machine learning tools
- High performance computing
Your working location will be in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position
requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
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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