Software Developer Research and Development Engineer

We are seeking a talented, experienced, and highly motivated Software Developer to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will assist in providing our customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support software-based solutions.

• Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable software solutions.
• Lead complex software development projects from architecture to delivery.
• Work with data scientists to transition research-level code into production-level software applications using sound software development principles.
• Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior developers.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system efficiency.
• Maintain and improve existing codebases and development practices.
• Ensure software follows modern security and compliance best practices.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and propose their adoption when applicable.
• Execute tasks within an Agile development process.

• Coordinate software engineering related research and development activities between disciplines, including exploration of subject area, definition of scope, and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches.
• Mentor and train employees in the development of software related technical, project, and business development skills.

• Fluency in Python.
• Fluency in Java.
• Fluency in SQL.
• Background in database design (SQL and No
  
  SQL).
• Strong knowledge of APIs (RESTful and/or Graph
  
  QL).

• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher (may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility).
• Experience with microservices architecture.
• Exposure to AI/ML frameworks or tools (e.g., Tensor Flow, PyTorch).
• Solid experience with CI/CD pipelines and Dev Ops practices.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

• Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience.
• Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience.

Employment with the University will require 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 – $.
Proposed salary may be impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support personal and professional well‑being, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and paid time off. Employees also receive a 75% tuition discount for eligible spouses and children.

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.