Project Manager Financial System

About the role

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas. We are seeking a self-motivated, customer service oriented junior project manager to join our Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO). In this role, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers and senior project managers, gaining exposure to innovative research programs and laboratory operations. If you’re eager to grow your project management skills in a collaborative, technical environment, this is the opportunity for you!

Responsibilities

• Support project financial management as you build schedules, identify and escalate roadblocks, coordinate with vendors, and build/strengthen networks
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance the overall project management workflow
• Work closely with seasoned project managers, engineers, and research leaders to gain practical experience in financial and technical project management across ARL

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant experience as a financial project manager or an equivalent combination of education and experience; at least three years required for a higher level
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated initiative and drive to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project or similar tools)

Preferred qualifications

• 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
• Experience in part fabrication processes
• Knowledge of materials used in a research lab and familiarity with engineering software
• Knowledge of procure-to-pay systems (e.g., PSUBuy)
• Active project management certification or training (e.g., CAPM, PMP)

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

Work location & flexibility

This position offers flexibility with either fully on‑site or hybrid work options, with on-site located in State College, PA.

Location highlights

Happy Valley, aka State College, PA, is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions as a Big Ten college sporting event mecca and the Bryce Jordan Center, which has hosted some of the world’s best entertainers. We have miles of hiking trails, numerous lakes for water sports, and streams for world renowned fly fishing. If you want a quick getaway, we are within reach of the Finger Lakes of New York, Hershey's Chocolate Town, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Big Apple. Our local University Park airport can take you literally anywhere else! Whether you're in the mood for a family day at the lake, an educational day trip to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, want to catch a Steelers or Eagles home game, or need a long weekend at Maryland's beaches, you can do it all from here!