Technical Engineering Project Manager

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • $92,100 - $174,708 • Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for a highly motivated Technical Engineering Project Manager to join our Mission Systems Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our mission is to support research, design and application of engineering development methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. This role will lead the day-to-day tactical execution of complex technical projects and sub-portions of major programs and serve as the nexus between technology and operations, delivering integrated solutions to real-world mission challenges. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Strong engineering foundation supporting system-level technical discussions
• Ability to clearly convey technical and programmatic information verbally and in writing
• Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project
• Project management fundamentals
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

• Past success within a University Affiliated Research Center/Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or government laboratory
• Mission engineering, systems integration, or Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Project Management Professional or similar formal project management training
• 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

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for technical projects or defined workstreams within larger, complex programs
• Define, maintain, and monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful execution
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering, operations, and support teams to align resources and achieve project objectives
• Develop and deliver technical project status reports, updates, and briefings to sponsors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate and support technical reviews, design milestones, system integration efforts, and other key project activities
• Monitor project performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies to identify and address potential issues
• Lead configuration management and change-control activities to effectively manage evolving project requirements and baselines
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, and work breakdown structures
• Oversee project documentation and support sponsor reviews, technical evaluations, and audits
• Support the transition of research and emerging technologies into development, demonstration, and field-ready systems
• Provide technical expertise and contribute to proposal development, project planning, and new business opportunities as needed
• Serve as the primary liaison between resource managers/supervisors to facilitate staff allocation and support project execution
• Provide the technical portion of status reports to the sponsor or for submission to sponsor
• Supervise and support project reviews, ensuring all required technical, managerial, and customer approvals are obtained
• Conduct project performance analysis during and after project phase-down to inform and improve future programs
• Balance a mix of technical and non-technical program responsibilities, applying both strategic insight and hands-on management
• Support and coordinate technical reviews, design milestones, and system integration activities by collaborating closely with lead engineers and principal investigators
• Ensure technical deliverables align with sponsor expectations, laboratory capabilities, and broader programmatic goals; track earned value, project performance metrics, and provide regular status updates to stakeholders
• May mentor, indirectly supervise, or directly oversee staff depending on assignment level

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: Senior