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Pennsylvania State University

Part-Time Project/Program Associate

🇺🇸 Reston, VA

🕑 Part-Time

💰 TBD

💻 Other

🗓️ December 8th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Part-Time Project/Program Associate to support research, development, and engineering activities within the Information Advantage Office of their Applied Research Laboratory. The role involves providing subject matter expertise on classified programs, participating in proposal evaluations, and delivering technical training while working 8-10 hours per week.

Highlights
  • Support classified programs with expertise in systems engineering, program management, test planning, operational and mission conduct, and collection analysis.
  • Participate in technical evaluations of proposals and assist in source selection processes.
  • Prepare and present technical and operational training to relevant stakeholders.
  • Must have an active TS/SCI security clearance with full scope polygraph.
  • Experience in design and systems engineering of technical collection and data exfiltration systems, ISR and communications systems, and flight testing of manned and unmanned aircraft.
  • Integration and deployment experience with SIGINT, IMINT, EW, and cellular telephone systems.
  • Preferred skills include test and evaluation of low observable technologies and leadership in special project teams under time-critical conditions.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science required with 19 years' experience; Aeronautical Engineering Technology degree preferred.
  • Employment requires U.S. citizenship, background checks, the ability to obtain government security clearance, and a pre-employment drug screen.
  • Position is based in Reston, VA and is part-time with 8-10 hours per week commitment.

Part-Time Project/Program Associate 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
 
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking a part-time Project/Program Associate to support research, development, and engineering activities in the Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is a Department of Defense (DoD) designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), which serves as a center of research excellence in a multitude of areas. ARL conducts basic and applied research, exploratory development, and advanced development in support of the U.S. government organizations; contributes to the educational objectives and research goals of Penn State; and promotes the transfer of advanced technology to the U.S. government. 

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

You will:
  • Provide support to classified programs including subject matter expertise, systems engineering, program management, test planning/conduct, operational planning, mission conduct, and collection analysis.
  • Participate in technical evaluations of proposals and source selection.
  • Prepare and present technical and operational training.
  • Work 8-10 hours per week.

Minimally requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline and 19 years' experience.  A degree in Aeronautical Engineering Technology is preferred

Required skills/experience areas include: 
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance with full scope polygraph.
  • Conceptual design and preliminary systems engineering of technical collection and data exfiltration systems, including CONOPS and System Requirements Documents.
  • Development, test, and deployment of complex and highly distributed ISR and communications systems involving terrestrial, airborne, maritime and space-based technologies.
  • Experimental and operational engineering flight test of manned and unmanned tactical and reconnaissance aircraft and associated systems.
  • Integration, test, and deployment of SIGINT, IMINT, EW, and cellular telephone systems. Design of associated communications and electronic warfare test and training ranges.

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Test and evaluation of low observable and counter low observable technologies.
  • Expertise leading special projects teams in remote environments under time critical conditions.
  • Strong briefing and business development skills.

Your working location will be in Reston, VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

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.
 
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.