Engineering Project Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an early‑career Engineering Project Manager to join the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. The role is ideal for a candidate with approximately 1–3 years of current project management experience who is ready to take on increased responsibility and grow within a mission‑driven environment. The selected candidate will support research programs and laboratory operations while working alongside a collaborative team of engineers and senior project managers.

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

• Directly support project financial management, including proposals, budgets, forecasts, and reporting
• Create and monitor work breakdown structures and expenses
• Identify, address, and elevate roadblocks
• Build schedules, communicate with the project team, and facilitate meetings and internal processes
• Gather, ship, and archive research data and deliverables
• Execute and track lab material and software purchases by maintaining records, monitoring order status, and coordinating with vendors
• Build and maintain networks across the office, the lab, and Penn State

• Independently manage project financials for efforts with increased scope or complexity
• Proactively assess risks and roadblocks, recommend mitigation strategies, and drive resolution in coordination with the Principal Investigator and stakeholders
• Facilitate cross‑functional coordination, ensuring alignment across engineering and business service teams
• Resolve purchasing issues and ensure material ETAs align with project schedules
• Contribute to process improvement efforts by refining templates and identifying opportunities to streamline project management processes within the team

• 1+ years of experience contributing to project management activities in an engineering, manufacturing, or research environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on increasing responsibility
• A customer‑focused mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project or similar tools)

• 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
• Part fabrication processes
• Knowledge of materials used in a research lab and familiarity with engineering software
• PSUBuy (or similar systems)
• Active project management certification or training (e.g., CAPM, PMP)

Your working location may be fully on‑site or hybrid (on‑site/work from home) near State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require minimal periodic travel to ARL and sponsor locations in support of managing projects and meetings.

Minimum qualifications differ by level. For Engineering Project Manager – Advanced Professional, a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. For Engineering Project Manager – Intermediate Professional, a bachelor’s degree and 1+ year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. No certifications are required for either level.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is 76,700.00 – . The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

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, including holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to…