Pennsylvania State University
Software Applications Developer
🇺🇸 Reston, VA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $77K - $130K
💻 Software Engineering
🗓️ December 2nd, 2025
CI/CD
GraphQL
NoSQL
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Software Applications Developer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division of its Applied Research Laboratory. This role involves designing, developing, testing, and deploying scalable software solutions, leading software projects, collaborating with data scientists to transition code into production, and mentoring junior developers while ensuring adherence to modern security and compliance standards.
Highlights
- Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions.
- Lead complex software development projects from architecture through delivery.
- Work with data scientists to transition research-level code to production software.
- Conduct code reviews and mentor junior developers.
- Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system efficiency.
- Maintain and improve existing codebases and development practices.
- Ensure software follows modern security and compliance best practices.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and propose adoption.
- Experience with SQL and NoSQL database design; fluency in Python, JAVA, and SQL.
- Preferred skills: Top Secret clearance eligibility, microservices architecture, AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
- Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience (Advanced Professional) or 6+ years (Senior Professional).
- On-site work location: State College, PA or Reston, VA.
- Salary range: $76,700 to $129,500, subject to geographic differential.
- Employment requires successful background check, ability to obtain government security clearance, U.S. citizenship, and pre-employment drug screen.
- The Applied Research Laboratory supports Navy, DoD, and Intel Community research and technology development.
Software Applications Developer 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 seeking a talented, experienced, and highly-motivated Software Developer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing our customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support software based solutions.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions
- Lead complex software development projects from architecture to delivery
- Work with data scientists to transition research-level code into production-level software applications using sound software development principles
- Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior developers
- Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system efficiency
- Maintain and improve existing codebases and development practices
- Ensure software follows modern security and compliance best practices
- Stay current with emerging technologies and propose their adoption when applicable
- Execute tasking within an Agile development process
Additional responsibilities of the higher level include:
- Coordinate Software Engineering related research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches
- Mentor and train employees in the development of software related technical, project, and business development skills
Required skills/experience areas include:
- Background in database design (SQL and NoSQL)
- Strong knowledge of APIs (RESTful and/or GraphQL)
- Fluency in Python
- Fluency in JAVA
- Fluency in SQL
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
- Experience with microservices architecture
- Exposure to AI/ML frameworks or tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Solid experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
Your working location will be fully on-site located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Applications Developer - Senior Professional, this position
requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Applications Developer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 $76,700.00 - $129,500.00.**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.
Similar Jobs
Advanced Software Engineer
Cengage Group
🇺🇸 Hybrid - MI
Senior iOS Software Engineer
Duolingo
🇺🇸 New York, NY
Senior Applied AI Engineer
Quizlet
🇺🇸 Hybrid - San Francisco, CA
IT Software Engineer, Workday Integration
University of Maryland
🇺🇸 College Park, MD
Software Development Engineers
University of Utah
🇺🇸 Hybrid - Salt Lake City, UT
