Software Engineer

Penn State University • University Park, IL

2d • $92,100 - $174,708 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Applied Communications team of 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. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military members.

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
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities with exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with structured approaches to solution development
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities
• Signal processing and algorithm development
• Background in cellular and/or wireless communications
• FPGA programming
• Database expertise: SQL, NoSQL, and/or Big Data systems
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or Java
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Translating 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)

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
• Expand your skills into new and adjacent technology areas

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level