Weapons System Engineer

Position Title

Weapons System Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

We are searching for a Research & Development Engineer to join our Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University to serve in an embedded role at a customer site in Chantilly, VA. The selected candidate will serve as a Senior Engineer and Deputy Project Manager embedded within the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) Long Range Fires Portfolio, organized within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

Additionally, the candidate will ultimately be performing inherently governmental functions with significant program management responsibilities.

Fully on‑site at a Government facility in Chantilly, VA. Occasional travel to State College, PA and other locations may be required.

• Plan and manage elements of long‑range fires development programs to improve existing capabilities or develop new capabilities to satisfy Department of Defense critical capability requirements.
• Utilize project management, systems engineering, contract management, and acquisition best practices to transition advanced capabilities to a diverse set of mission partners.
• Advise senior officials on Key Operational Problems (KOPs), novel operational concepts, Long‑Range Kill Chains, weapons technologies, including propulsion, energetics, sensing, guidance, navigation, and control, and other advanced capabilities.
• Maintain liaison with internal and external organizations to include other OSD offices, the military services, other research and development agencies, academia, laboratories, and operational forces to discuss requirements, technologies, and provide timely information to senior decision makers.
• Lead the development of acquisition plans and strategy, methods of solicitation, most suitable contracting method, lead time, and contracting packages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Building partnerships and collaborations across the DoD/IC communities.
• Development of concepts, technology roadmaps, and execution plans.
• Management of a portfolio of technology development programs.

• Experience serving in a research & development engineering role for a DoD/IC technology development program. Experience as a program manager or project lead is preferred.
• Broad experience in one or more of the following technology areas:
  Advanced Weapons Systems, Long‑Range Precision Fires, Hypersonics, Missile Systems, Kill Chain Architectures, Command and Control (C2), Targeting and Fire Control, Survivability and Countermeasures, Propulsion and Energetics, Guidance/Navigation/Control, Modeling and Simulation, Systems Engineering.
• Extensive travel may be required.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

• Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience.
• Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience.

• Salary range: $ – $ (may be impacted by geographic differential).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Employment with the university will require successful completion of background check(s). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and must successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screen. The position may require obtaining a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.

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.