Research and Development Engineer - System Sustainment
About the role
We are searching for a highly analytical, systems-focused Research and Development Engineer to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our division supports mission-critical research for the Navy and other federal sponsors, advancing data-driven decision tools, predictive models, and engineering solutions that enhance reliability, readiness, and operational performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead development of analytic methods including machine learning, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance models, and network or system-level analyses
- Develop and evaluate reliability and failure models for complex naval or defense-related systems
- Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and executive audiences
- Build, validate, and document data pipelines, analytic tools, dashboards, and modernization processes, including cloud-based environments (AWS/GCP/Azure)
- Engage with cross-functional engineering teams to support system readiness assessments, configuration analysis, and engineering change evaluations
- Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and customer deliverables
- Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and collaboration across multidisciplinary project teams
Additional responsibilities for higher-level roles include leading major research thrusts, serving as principal investigator, and/or overseeing integrated engineering programs, as well as developing strategic technical direction in data-driven reliability engineering and advanced analytics.
Requirements
- Past success solving complex analytical or engineering problems, using structured methodologies to reach effective, defendable solutions
- Failure analysis, reliability engineering, or predictive analytics
- Technical computing or analytics languages such as Python, R, SQL, or similar
- Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
- Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Preferred Skills/Experience
- Cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization, version control, or data engineering tools
- Naval systems engineering, system readiness evaluation, or lifecycle maintenance analysis
- Graduate degree in Computational Science, Engineering Management, Applied Data Science, or related fields
- 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
Qualifications
If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 19+ years of relevant experience. If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science and 14+ years of relevant experience.
Benefits
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.
Pay
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.
Schedule
Your working location will be fully on-site to start for training located in State College, PA, then a hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.