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Pennsylvania State University

Navigation Software Reserach and Development Engineer

🇺🇸 Warminster, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $86K - $164K 💻 Software Engineering 🗓️ February 10th, 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, and deploying software products to support research and development, prototype creation, and experimental evaluation of advanced navigation technologies for military platforms, specifically within the Navigation Research and Development Division for Navy and DoD sponsors.

Highlights
  • Design, develop, test, and document software products to support ARL contracts and research.
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to innovate navigation solutions.
  • Develop skills in software architecture, numerical analysis, and algorithm design.
  • Required skills include proficiency in C and C++, POSIX operating systems, and completed coursework in computer science and mathematics.
  • Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in relevant fields and experience with MATLAB, Python, distributed computing, and middleware.
  • Work is full-time on-site at the Navigation Research & Development Center in Warminster, PA, with possible travel for field-testing including at-sea assignments.
  • Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and either 2+ or 5+ years of relevant experience depending on level.
  • Employment requires the ability to obtain a government security clearance and U.S. citizenship.
  • Salary range is $86,300 to $164,000, subject to geographic differential.
  • Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents.

Navigation Software Reserach 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) 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 R&D, 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, and implementation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Contribute to the test of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Contribute to the documentation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Be 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, and implementation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Lead the test of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Lead the 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
  • Excellent communication skills, 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 CERTIFICATIONS
If 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/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The 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.