Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Software Developer Research and Development Engineer. The role involves designing, developing, testing, and deploying scalable software solutions and leading complex software development projects. The engineer will collaborate with data scientists to transition research code into production software, optimize system performance, maintain codebases, and mentor junior developers while adhering to security best practices.

Highlights

Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions.
Lead software development projects from architecture through delivery.
Collaborate with data scientists to convert research code to production applications.
Conduct code reviews and mentor junior developers.
Optimize system efficiency and identify performance bottlenecks.
Ensure software meets security and compliance best practices.
Work within an Agile development process.
Required skills include fluency in Python, JAVA, SQL, database design (SQL and NoSQL), and strong knowledge of APIs (RESTful and/or GraphQL).
Preferred skills include eligibility for Top Secret or Secret clearance, experience with microservices architecture, AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
Educational requirements vary by level: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with 2+ to 14+ years of experience.
Positions require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for government security clearances.
Salary ranges from $91,488 to $202,464 with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and their eligible families.
Work location is fully on-site at State College, PA or Reston, VA.
Supports Department of Defense and intelligence community research and development needs.

Software Developer Research and Development Engineer 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:

Fluency in Python
Fluency in JAVA
Fluency in SQL
Background in database design (SQL and NoSQL)
Strong knowledge of APIs (RESTful and/or GraphQL)

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
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 either State College, PA or Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf 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.

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 $91,488.00 - $202,464.00.

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.

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Original Job Description