Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Technical Engineering Project Manager to join its Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) Mission Systems Department. This role leads the execution of complex technical projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables, and delivering integrated solutions to support warfighter capabilities. The position also involves technical reporting, risk mitigation, configuration management, and support for transitioning research into deployable systems.

Highlights

Provide operational leadership and oversight of technical projects within complex programs.
Coordinate engineering, operations, and support teams to align resources and meet project goals.
Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, performance metrics, risks, and change control processes.
Develop and deliver technical status reports and briefings to sponsors and stakeholders.
Support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration, and audits.
Contribute technical expertise to proposal development, project planning, and business opportunities.
Required skills include strong engineering foundation, effective communication, proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project), and project management fundamentals.
Preferred experience includes University Affiliated Research Center or government laboratory work, mission engineering, systems integration, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and formal project management training (e.g., PMP).
Requires a Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience (Advanced Professional) or 6+ years (Senior Professional), no certifications mandated.
Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearance; work location is fully on-site at State College, PA.
Salary range spans $92,100 to $174,708 with comprehensive benefits including tuition discounts for employees and family members.

Technical Engineering Project Manager 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 searching for a highly motivated 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:

Provide operational leadership and oversight for technical projects or defined workstreams within larger, complex programs
Define, maintain, and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful execution
Coordinate cross-functional engineering, operations, and support teams to align resources and achieve project objectives
Develop and deliver technical project status reports, updates, and briefings to sponsors and key stakeholders
Coordinate and support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration efforts, and other key project activities
Monitor project performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies to identify and address potential issues
Lead configuration management and change-control activities to effectively manage evolving project requirements and baselines
Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, and work breakdown structures
Oversee project documentation and support sponsor reviews, technical evaluations, and audits
Support the transition of research and emerging technologies into development, demonstration, and field-ready systems
Provide technical expertise and contribute to proposal development, project planning, and new business opportunities as needed

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

Serve as the primary liaison between resource managers/supervisors to facilitate staff allocation and support project execution
Provide the technical portion of status reports to the sponsor or for submission to sponsor
Supervise and support project reviews, ensuring all required technical, managerial, and customer approvals are obtained
Conduct project performance analysis during and after project phase-down to inform and improve future programs
Balance a mix of technical and non-technical program responsibilities, applying both strategic insight and hands-on management
Support and coordinate technical reviews, design milestones, and system integration activities by collaborating closely with lead engineers and principal investigators
Ensure technical deliverables align with sponsor expectations, laboratory capabilities, and broader programmatic goals; track earned value, project performance metrics, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders
May mentor, indirectly supervise, or directly oversee staff depending on assignment level

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

Strong engineering foundation supporting system-level technical discussions
Ability to clearly convey technical and programmatic information verbally and in writing
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) - 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 Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - 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 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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