Software Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the Applied Communications team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you'll implement and integrate advanced algorithms to support cutting-edge research applications addressing critical Department of Defense challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop software solutions for cutting-edge research in communications systems
• Design applications, libraries, interfaces, and device drivers for diverse system-level requirements
• Implement and test algorithms across multiple domains: underwater, terrestrial, aerial, and space-based platforms
• Create signal processing software for advanced communication systems
• Apply your technical expertise to solve complex national security challenges
• Provide technical leadership on software engineering projects
• Mentor team members in technical skills, project management, and business development
• Present technical concepts and project updates to external stakeholders and collaborators

Requirements

• Strong computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, networking, distributed systems, memory management, security, databases, and hardware integration
• Proficiency in C++ and C with strong object-oriented programming principles
• High-performance algorithm design
• Software architecture and infrastructure design expertise
• Advanced Linux environment proficiency
• Modern development tools: Git, GitLab, Atlassian suite (JIRA, Confluence, Bamboo, Artifactory, BitBucket, SonarQube)
• Containerization and orchestration experience with Docker and Kubernetes
• Understanding of mobile app and front-end UI/UX development
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with structured approaches to solution development

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional

Skills

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Management of multiple concurrent projects and priorities
• Signal processing and algorithm development
• Cellular and/or wireless communications
• FPGA programming
• Database expertise: SQL, NoSQL, and/or Big Data systems
• MATLAB, Python, and/or Java
• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Translation of business requirements into technical specifications
• ATAK or WinTAK plug-in development experience
• Cyber compliance policies and implementation requirements
• Offline storage, threading, and performance optimization
• Additional software languages (Rust, Bash, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
• Software libraries (Google Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, FastAPI, pytest, React, Tailwind)
• Software tools (AWS, Vim, CMake, GDB)

Benefits

• Salary range: $121,704.00 - $231,000.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children

Pay

$121,704.00 - $231,000.00

Schedule

Full-time, on-site in State College, PA

Benefits

• Background checks/clearances
• Drug testing program
• Electronic and physical monitoring requirements
• Personal electronic devices registration
• Security clearance eligibility

Contact

For further information on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.