Technical Engineer

Job Description

We are searching for a technical engineer to be the leader and program coordinator for a government-sponsored UUV program at Penn State ARL. This person will coordinate the efforts of multiple technical teams at Penn State ARL (hydrodynamics, materials, structures, energy, autonomy, communications, and systems engineering) and serve as the primary point of contact for communications with the government sponsor.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for communication and program coordination with the government sponsor on a UUV research program.
• Lead and coordinate multiple technical subject teams at Penn State ARL on the UUV program.
• Prepare, manage, and execute program budgets across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Work with various parts of Penn State ARL to create a seamless team for the sponsor.
• Coordinate with the sponsor and performers to complete independent validation of performers’ results.
• Review and ensure that deliverables such as quarterly reports, reports, and technical white papers are met and completed.
• Attend and lead meetings with sponsors and performers.

• Master’s degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline or equivalent experience and at least 12–15 years of related experience.
• Principal Investigator, leadership role, or management of cross‑discipline technical teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a history of writing white papers or reports.
• Research program plan development.
• Previous success managing programs or people with supervisory experience.
• Eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility.

• Successful experience working with UUVs or on U.S. Navy programs.
• Demonstrated leadership of successful multi‑discipline research projects.

Hybrid of on‑site/work from home; on‑site location is State College, PA, but may also include Reston, VA. This position requires travel for sponsor interactions, to represent ongoing program(s), and to work with the Penn State ARL team in State College, PA.

Employment with the University requires 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.

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.

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.