Weapons System Engineer

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please to complete the Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see. ​POSITION SPECIFICS​We are searching for a Research & Development Engineer to join our Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University to serve in an embedded role at a customer site in Chantilly, VA. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC).The selected candidate will serve as a Senior Engineer and Deputy Project Manager embedded within the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) Long Range Fires Portfolio, organized within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Additionally, the selected candidate will ultimately be performing inherently governmental functions with significant program management responsibilities.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Plan and manage elements of long range fires development programs to improve existing capabilities or develop new capabilities to satisfy Department of Defense critical capability requirementsUtilize project management, systems engineering, contract management, and acquisition best practices to transition advanced capabilities to a diverse set of mission partnersAdvise senior officials on topics related to Key Operational Problems (KOPs), novel operational concepts, Long Range Kill Chains, weapons technologies, to include propulsion, energetics, sensing, and guidance, navigation and control, and other advanced capabilities and technologiesMaintain liaison with internal and external organizations to include other OSD offices, the military services, other research and development agencies, academia, laboratories, and operational forces to discuss requirements, technologies, and provide timely information to senior decision makersLead the development of acquisition plans and strategy, methods of solicitation, most suitable contracting method, lead time, and contracting packagesPerform other duties as assignedAdditional responsibilities of higher level positions may include:Building partnerships and collaborations across the DoD/IC communitiesDevelopment of concepts, technology roadmaps and execution plansManagement of a portfolio of technology development programsRequired skills/experience areas include: Experience serving in a research & development engineering role for a DoD/IC technology development program required; experience serving as a program manager or project lead for a DoD/IC technology development program is preferredBroad experience in one or more of the following technology areas; Advanced Weapons Systems, Long-Range Precision Fires, Hypersonics, Missile Systems, Kill Chain Architectures, Command and Control (C2), Targeting and Fire Control, Survivability and Countermeasures, Propulsion and Energetics, Guidance/Navigation/Control, Modeling and Simulation, Systems EngineeringExtensive travel may be required for this positionActive TS/SCI security clearanceYour working location will be fully on-site at a Government facility in Chantilly, VA. The position requires occasional travel to State College, PA and other locations.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science + years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at .BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates topossess 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.SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $,. - $,..**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**- Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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 which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous % tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our .CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 8, 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 .EEO IS THE LAWPenn 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 --3.

Created: 2025-11-28