Research and Development Engineer - System Sustainment
About The Position
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. This role will lead the development of data science methods, predictive maintenance analytics, and engineering assessments with direct impact on ARL customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning service members to apply.
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
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- 19+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Principal Professional)
- 14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Senior Professional)
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance
- Must participate in the ARL drug testing program
- Must comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors
Nice To Haves
- 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
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
- Lead major research thrusts, serve as principal investigator, and/or oversee integrated engineering programs
- Develop strategic technical direction in data-driven reliability engineering and advanced analytics
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
