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Pennsylvania State University

Navigation Software Research and Development Engineer

🇺🇸 Warminster, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $116K - $221K 💻 Software Engineering 🗓️ July 27th, 2026
Python

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Navigation Software Research and Development Engineer. The role involves designing, developing, testing, and implementing software for advanced navigation technologies within the Applied Research Laboratory's Tactical Navigation Department. The engineer will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to advance navigation sensor systems for Navy and federal government customers.

Highlights
  • Design, development, test, and implementation of navigation software products for ARL contracts and laboratory projects.
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers on new navigation technologies.
  • Develop skills in software architecture, numerical analysis, and algorithm design.
  • Lead software product development for higher-level positions.
  • Software knowledge: C, C++ programming languages, POSIX operating systems.
  • Preferred tools and skills include MATLAB, Python, distributed computing, real-time systems, data science, and networking.
  • Education requirement: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science; 2+ years experience for Intermediate Professional or 5+ years for Advanced Professional level.
  • Master's degree preferred in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
  • Must be eligible for secret-level or higher government security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
  • Salary range from $116,496 to $220,884 with full-time benefits including medical, retirement, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount.

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 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), this role will focus 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 Intel Community and federal government customers. 
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Contribute to the design, development, test, and implementation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working together to bring new ideas to fruition
  • Build core competencies in software architecture, implementation, test, and deployment
  • Strengthen capabilities in numerical analysis and algorithm design
  • Develop expertise 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
  • Knowledge of C and C++ programing languages
  • Demonstrated software development experience
  • Experience with 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, Engineering Physics, or related field
  • 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
  • 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 Warminster, PA.  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 R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $116,496.00 - $220,884.00. 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.