Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

About the role

We are searching for a self-motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

Responsibilities

• Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for secure system design, implementation, and hardening
• Leverage expertise in software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements
• Aid the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project-related correspondence
• Provide process enhancement for technical controls implementation, architectural enhancements, and security test and evaluation projects
• Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects
• Provide guidance to lower-level R&D Engineers to foster professional growth

Required skills/experience areas

• Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles
• Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration
• Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating system administration
• Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (to include at a minimum C, Java, and Python)
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing / penetration testing tools and methodologies
• Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making
• Active government security clearance at SECRET level

Preferred skills/experience areas

• AI to security testing, evaluation, and issue mitigation / remediation
• Microcontroller or single board computer design/implementation (i.e. Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc), radio frequency signal analysis (i.e. oscilloscopes, SpecAns, SDRs, etc), or industrial control system communication protocol security
• Demonstrated history of successful project initiation efforts
• Automation of cybersecurity testing workflows (e.g. using Ansible playbooks)
• Agile software development methodology and tools
• Atlassian products (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

Work location

Your work location will be project-dependent. Ability for on-site/work from home, based out of Reston, VA (preferred), Annapolis Junction, MD, or State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

Pay & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $110,520.00 - $240,960.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

This position offers 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.

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.

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.