Research and Development Engineer - System Sustainment

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a highly analytical, systems‑focused Research and Development Engineer to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our division supports mission‑critical research for the Navy and other federal sponsors, advancing data-driven decision tools, predictive models, and engineering solutions that enhance reliability, readiness, and operational performance. This role will lead the development of data science methods, predictive maintenance analytics, and engineering assessments with direct impact on ARL customers.

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

You will:

• Lead development of analytic methods including machine learning, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance models, and network or system‑level analyses

• Develop and evaluate reliability and failure models for complex naval or defense‑related systems

• Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and executive audiences

• Build, validate, and document data pipelines, analytic tools, dashboards, and modernization processes, including cloud‑based environments (AWS/GCP/Azure)

• Engage with cross‑functional engineering teams to support system readiness assessments, configuration analysis, and engineering change evaluations

• Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and customer deliverables

• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams

Additional responsibilities for higher-level roles:

• Lead major research thrusts, serve as principal investigator, and/or oversee integrated engineering programs

• Develop strategic technical direction in data‑driven reliability engineering and advanced analytics

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success solving complex analytical or engineering problems, using structured methodologies to reach effective, defendable solutions

• Failure analysis, reliability engineering, or predictive analytics

• Technical computing or analytics languages such as Python, R, SQL, or similar

• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/

Experience:

• Cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization, version control, or data engineering tools

• Naval systems engineering, system readiness evaluation, or lifecycle maintenance analysis

• Graduate degree in Computational Science, Engineering Management, Applied Data Science, or related fields

• 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 to start for training located in State College, PA, then a hybrid of on‑site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Data Science (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience

Required

Certifications:

None If filled as R&D Engineer
- Data Science (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science
14+ years of…