Software Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 24, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jul 1, 2026. Pennsylvania State University scores B on the Alion truth index.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for motivated, talented, and experienced Software Engineers to join the Applications Software Department of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. USO designs, develops, validates, and maintains a suite of large-scale undersea warfare models and simulations used by technology developers, analysts, the Navy, and its allies. We serve as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Design, implement, integrate, and test software for performing autonomous vehicle guidance and control. This software includes
Design algorithms for signal processing, detection, classification, tracking and decision-making, and software interfaces with hardware subsystems
Collaborate within a team environment to integrate and test the software system
Generate software documentation and presentations
Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:
Provide leadership of a project team through the development of complex software systems including analysis of customer needs/requirements, software systems architecture and concept development, detailed design processes, and software development, systems integration and test planning and execution
Create opportunities to enhance technical methodology or content through expansion of existing or development of new efforts; may extend technology into new application areas; contribute or lead in intellectual development activities
Maintain awareness of software engineering tools and techniques, and assist in mentoring other engineers in the development of technical, project, and business development skills
Required skills/experience areas include:
C++, MATLAB, and other high-level programming languages
Object-oriented and functional design
Software development tools such as testing, configuration management, and issue tracking
Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Embedded real-time, multi-threaded software/firmware/hardware
Guidance and control systems, Intelligent control, and Fuzzy logic
Undersea acoustics
Signal processing
Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher
Your working location will be full on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - 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 www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn 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 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.