Sustainment Information Systems Software Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level Embedded & Firmware role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $121,704–$231,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Design and deploy defense sustainment software, shaping system architectures and applying digital approaches to improve sustainment work
- Build prototypes using cloud-native tools, containers and automated software delivery for enterprise sustainment systems
- Explore technologies for logistics, training and sustainment, then document results in reports and leadership briefings
- Support research proposals with risk reviews and cost estimates, while coordinating with government, industry and university partners
- Guide junior engineers in software delivery and DevOps, with higher-level roles leading teams and sponsor coordination
What you bring
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or science; the posting also identifies computer engineering or a related discipline
- At least five years of relevant experience for the advanced level, or fourteen years for the senior level
- Experience with NAVSEA cloud deployments and updates to sustainment systems used by Trident Refit Facilities
- Practical knowledge of Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab CI/CD and Helm, plus experience delivering defense sustainment software
Who this fits
This role is based on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, and includes periodic travel to remote test locations. You must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain a government security clearance; background checks and participation in drug testing and monitoring requirements apply. It suits an experienced engineer who can work independently or with multidisciplinary teams; senior-level appointments also involve leading and mentoring engineers.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking an experienced Sustainment Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Sustainment Information Systems Department. ARL’s mission is to deliver innovative engineering and technology solutions in support of the Department of Defense (DoD).
In this role, you will leverage your expertise in DevOps, enterprise architectures, digital transformation, and sustainment system software engineering to support applied research in defense applications, with an emphasis on NAVSEA environments and submarine platform support.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military members.
You Will:
Lead and support the design, development, and deployment of advanced sustainment information systems for defense applications
Define enterprise information system architectures and implement digital transformation best practices to optimize defense sustainment processes
Prototype and demonstrate enterprise systems architectures leveraging modern cloud-native and DevOps approaches (Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD pipelines)
Apply expertise in cloud, container orchestration, and software lifecycle automation to enterprise sustainment challenges
Investigate and implement emerging technologies to enhance logistics, training, and sustainment systems
Deliver professional reports and executive-level presentations documenting findings and recommendations
Contribute to technical proposals, risk assessments, and cost/effort estimates for research initiatives
Collaborate with government and industry sponsors as well as Penn State faculty on applied research projects
Mentor junior engineers in software engineering, DevOps practices, and project execution
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:
Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the development and implementation of software systems
Engage with the sponsor and external collaborators to coordinate the development of complex software systems
Required skills/experience areas include:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or related discipline; advanced degree preferred
7+ years of professional experience in software engineering, DevOps, and enterprise systems development
Experience deploying solutions in NAVSEA cloud environments
Experience working with and modernizing current sustainment information systems used by Trident Refit Facilities
Proven ability to collaborate with DoD stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate solution paths, and deliver technical capabilities
Demonstrated success driving digital transformation initiatives using cloud-native architectures and CI/CD automation
Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, Helm, and supporting enterprise sustainment platforms
Background in developing sustainment software solutions for defense applications.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently or in multidisciplinary teams
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Certifications in Kubernetes, Azure, Scrum, and Security+ (as held by strong candidates)
Published research or technical documentation in enterprise sustainment or digital engineering
This position will be fully on-stie located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
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. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.
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