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Pennsylvania State University

Navigation Software Research and Development Engineer

🇺🇸 Warminster, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $86K - $164K 💻 Software Engineering 🗓️ February 27th, 2026
Python

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Navigation Software Research and Development Engineer. This role involves designing, developing, testing, implementing, and documenting software products to support research, prototype development, and experimental evaluation of advanced navigation technologies for military platforms at the Applied Research Laboratory. The engineer will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to innovate in navigation sensor and systems technology for Navy and Department of Defense clients.

Highlights
  • Design, develop, test, implement, and document software for navigation research projects within the ARL laboratory.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a cross-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
  • Develop expertise in software architecture, numerical analysis, algorithm design, and deployment.
  • Required knowledge in C and C++ programming languages and POSIX operating systems.
  • Completed courses in computer science (Data Structures, Systems Software, Software Engineering, Object-Oriented Design, Algorithms) and mathematics (Calculus I-III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra).
  • Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Engineering Physics and experience with MATLAB, Python, distributed computing, and middleware.
  • Position requires full-time on-site work at the Navigation Research & Development Center in Warminster, PA, with possible travel for field-testing aboard naval vessels.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen able to obtain a government security clearance and pass background checks and drug screening.
  • Salary range spans $86,300 to $164,000, with benefits including medical coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and their families.
  • Minimum education requirements differ by level: Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years experience for intermediate and 5+ years for advanced engineer roles.

Navigation Software Research and Development 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 searching for a Navigation Software R&D Engineer to join our Tactical Navigation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As part the Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD) located in Warminster, PA, your focus will be on advanced navigation technologies, built around a unique laboratory specially designed to test incredibly sensitive navigation sensors.  The mission of NRDD is to provide expert knowledge in navigation systems for our Navy and other DoD sponsors.  NRDD is seeking an individual for software design, development, test, and deployment to support research and development, prototype development, and experimental evaluation of new navigation technologies for military platforms.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Contribute to the design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working together to bring new ideas to fruition
  • Develop skills in software architecture, implementation, test, and deployment
  • Develop skills in numerical analysis and algorithm design
  • Acquire detailed knowledge in navigation sensor and systems technology
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:
  • Lead the design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Completed CS Courses: Data Structures, Systems Software, Software Engineering, Object-Oriented Design, and Algorithms
  • Completed Math Courses: Calculus I / II / III, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra
  • C and C++ programing languages
  • Demonstrated software development
  • POSIX operating systems
  • Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully in order to provide clear comprehension, including technical writing
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Engineering Physics
  • Related software experience
  • Algorithm design, numerical analysis, software optimization, software validation techniques, distributed computing, real-time systems, data science, database systems, and/or networking
  • MATLAB, Python, distributed computing architectures, and middleware

Your working location will be full-time on-site, located at the Navigation Research & Development Center (NRDC) in Warminster, PA.  Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position may require travel to remote locations for field-testing in a laboratory or at-sea aboard a surface ship or a submarine.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position 
requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ 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 $86,300.00 - $164,000.00.**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.