Software Engineer @ Pennsylvania State University

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Software Engineer for its Applied Research Laboratory's Applied Communications team. The role involves designing and implementing algorithms and software solutions for various system-level needs to support cutting-edge research and national security applications. The engineer will develop software to support signal processing for communications and may lead projects or mentor staff at higher levels.

Highlights

Develop and integrate algorithms to support research applications.
Design applications, libraries, interfaces, and device drivers.
Test algorithms across multiple environments including water, land, air, and space.
Lead software engineering projects and mentor colleagues (higher-level positions).
Proficient in C++ and C using object-oriented principles and high performance algorithm design.
Experienced with Linux environments, containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and software development tools such as Git, GitLab, and Atlassian suite.
Strong fundamentals in computer science areas including hardware integration, data structures, networking, and security.
Preferred qualifications include Bachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science, exposure to signal processing, cellular/wireless communications, FPGA programming, and database systems.
Salary range: $76,700 - $164,000, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and dependents.
U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain government security clearance mandatory; employment requires background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Software 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 SPECIFICSâ

We are searching for a motivated and talented Computer Science and Software Engineer to join our Applied Communications team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This is a software engineering position focusing on the ability to perform algorithm implementation and integration to support a variety of research processes and applications.

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

You will:

Contribute to the development of cutting-edge research
Design solutions for various system level needs such as applications, libraries, interfaces, and device drivers
Apply established procedures to solve current national security problems
Leverage your technical strengths to new and adjacent areas of interest
Test algorithms on a variety of platforms such as in water, on land, in the air, and in space
Design and develop software to support signal processing for communications

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions includes:

Lead Software Engineering projects
Mentor employees in the development of technical, project, and business development skills

Required skills/experience areas include:

Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to research, troubleshoot, and logically determine solutions while paying attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
Proficiency with High Performance Algorithm Design
Object-oriented principles in C++ and C
Software system architecture and infrastructure skills
Proficiency working in a Linux environment
Demonstrated understanding of software development best practices using tools such as: Git repos, GitLab and Atlassian tools (JIRA, Confluence, Bamboo, Artifactory, BitBucket, SonarQube)
Proficiency with containerization and orchestration using tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
Strong computer science fundamentals in hardware integration, algorithms, data structures, networking, memory management, distributed systems, security, app modularization and databases
Experience working alongside a varied group of people
Understanding of Mobile App and Front-End UI/UX development

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, or a related field
Knowledge and exposure to signal processing and algorithm development
A background in cellular and/or wireless communications
Familiarity with FPGA programming
Experience with Database Design, SQL, NoSQL and/or BigData database
Enjoy collaborating and learning with a team of fellow brilliant researchers
Possess an inquisitive mind and have a passion to develop the best software and hardware solutions in an action-oriented, self-motivated, and delivery-focused manner
Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, Java
Understanding of Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment
Ability to understand business requirements and translate them into technical requirements
Ability to manage parallel projects and priorities
Design experience developing ATAK or WinTAK plug-ins
Knowledge of cyber compliance policies and implementation requirements
Offline storage, threading, and performance tuning

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

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:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $76,700.00 - $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.

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Original Job Description