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Pennsylvania State University

Technical Engineering Project Manager

🇺🇸 University Park, Pennsylvania 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $106K - $231K 💻 Project Management 🗓️ August 25th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Technical Engineering Project Manager for its Mission Systems Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This role leads the tactical execution of complex engineering projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and delivering integrated solutions aligned with advancing warfighter capabilities.

Highlights
  • Lead execution of complex engineering project tasks and technical work packages to meet program objectives.
  • Define and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and serve as a liaison with resource managers to align staffing and resources.
  • Develop and present technical status updates, briefings, and progress reports to stakeholders and sponsors.
  • Manage configuration and change control processes and oversee project documentation and compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Required skills include engineering foundation, project management fundamentals, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
  • Preferred experience with University Affiliated Research Centers, government labs, mission engineering, systems integration, and project management professional training.
  • Must be eligible for Secret-level security clearance and U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Minimum qualifications vary by level: Principal Professional requires a Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; Senior Professional requires a Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; no certifications are mandatory.
  • Salary range spans from $105,900 to $231,000 with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Technical Engineering Project Manager 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for a self-starting Technical Engineering Project Manager to join our Mission Systems Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our mission is to support research, design and application of engineering development methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. This role will lead the day-to-day tactical execution of complex technical projects and sub-portions of major programs and serve as the nexus between technology and operations, delivering integrated solutions to real-world mission challenges.

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

You Will:

  • Lead the execution of complex engineering project tasks and technical work packages to achieve program objectives

  • Define, maintain, and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle

  • Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering, operations, and support teams to ensure alignment and successful project execution

  • Serve as a liaison with resource managers to coordinate staffing needs and ensure appropriate resources are available to support project objectives

  • Develop and deliver technical status updates, project briefings, and progress reports to sponsors and key stakeholders

  • Coordinate and support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration activities, and other key project events

  • Monitor earned value, performance metrics, project risks, and mitigation strategies to identify and address potential issues

  • Manage configuration and change control processes to maintain accurate and controlled project baselines

  • Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, and work breakdown structures to support effective planning and execution

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Oversee the collection and archival of project documentation, including technical reports, meeting minutes, lessons learned, and close-out reports

  • Support the preparation and delivery of technical presentations, briefings, and status reports to sponsors, leadership, and external collaborators

  • Ensure project execution complies with internal policies, customer requirements, and applicable government regulations

  • Support internal audits or sponsor reviews by providing accurate, timely project documentation and analysis

  • Assist with the transition of research to development or field-ready systems by coordinating planning, demonstrations, and documentation

  • Contribute in a technical capacity to projects and/or programs, as needed

  • May support proposal preparation by contributing schedule estimates, risk assessments, and technical input as needed

  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Engineering foundation with the ability to contribute effectively to system-level technical discussions and decision-making

  • Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project

  • Project management fundamentals

  • Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Past success within a University Affiliated Research Center/Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or government laboratory

  • Mission engineering, systems integration, or Model-Based Systems Engineering

  • Project Management Professional or similar formal project management training

  • 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 State College, PA.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree6+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

 

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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