Strategic and Technical Coordination; SRTC Research and Development Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a Research and Development Engineer for the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTC) Department, within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division (S3) under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

• Provide strategic and technical leadership within the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (STRC) department and support the S3 Division and the Lab's mission.
• Support development of technologies and operations for a highly sensitive and high‑risk sponsor base.
• Maintain awareness of technology expertise across ARL and pair that expertise with sponsors early in development.
• Track emergent requirements and needs within Special Operations, Special Technical, and Intelligence Communities, and align them with ARL capabilities.
• Support geographically displaced Program/Project Management teams at multiple sponsor critical locations, including University Park, PA.
• Build and lead high‑performing, collaborative teams across engineering, science, and support personnel to meet sponsor requirements.
• Maintain strong academic and industry relationships, positioning STRC as a mission partner across ARL divisions and offices.
• Secure funding and lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor and mission relevance.
• Travel as required for sponsor engagements, technology conferences, and potential OCONUS testing.
• Manage department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and proposal development.
• Foster a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional development within the department.
• Act as Department Head in the absence of the Deputy.

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance.
• Deep understanding of the current Strategic Operational Environment, including DoD guidance and planning.
• Experience working directly for or within Special Operations, Special Mission, or Intelligence Community units/activities.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management in high‑growth, mission‑driven, research‑oriented environments.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator, Technical Lead, Operational or Compartmented Planner, or senior contributor on applied and basic research supporting sensitive activities.
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills to articulate needs, requirements, and impact to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, lead through challenges, and shape forward‑looking strategies.
• Business and/or program management skills, including experience with budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning.
• Professional demeanor and interpersonal agility to work effectively across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators, and partners.

Research and Development Engineer – Principal Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 19+ years of relevant experience.

Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience.

Employment at ARL requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. Candidates must possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required. Pre‑employment drug screening is also required.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $ – $. Geographic differential may apply.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount available to employees and eligible family members.

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.