R&D Engineer: Software Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a R&D Engineer: Software Engineer based in United States. This role focuses on software implementation, testing, and productization within a multidisciplinary research and engineering environment. You will contribute software expertise to programs addressing complex challenges with national and international impact. The position combines hands-on development with technical problem-solving, system troubleshooting, and collaboration across engineering and research teams. You will help identify emerging challenges, research trends, and opportunities while delivering high-quality technical solutions. You will work closely with principal investigators, sponsors, product owners, system engineers, researchers, and other stakeholders. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to mission-critical initiatives supporting government and defense-related customers. Frequent travel is expected, including trips to sponsor and contractor locations that may last up to two weeks.

Apply software engineering expertise to research and development programs by identifying emerging technical challenges, research trends, and future opportunities. Design, implement, test, and maintain high-quality, scalable software solutions across the full development lifecycle. Ensure technical excellence and the timely completion of assigned project deliverables. Develop, test, troubleshoot, and maintain software across Linux and/or Windows environments, including systematic operating system and input-output debugging. Collaborate closely with engineering teams, principal investigators, sponsors, product owners, researchers, system engineers, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into well-architected technical solutions. Provide clear and effective program status updates to senior stakeholders and fleet-level personnel through individual and community meetings. Contribute to software transition and productization efforts, helping move research and development outcomes toward operational use. Support a multidisciplinary engineering environment focused on discovering, demonstrating, transitioning, and educating around innovative technical solutions. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and 14+ years of relevant experience for the Senior Professional level, or 19+ years of relevant experience for the Principal Professional level. Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or Rust. Strong understanding of software development principles, including object-oriented design, modular architecture, version control, data structures, algorithms, and performance optimization. Experience developing, testing, and maintaining software in Linux and/or Windows environments, with working knowledge of Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks. Experience with cloud platforms, distributed systems, or container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. Ability to produce clear, maintainable, well-documented code and systematically troubleshoot operating systems and input-output issues. Understanding of network protocol stacks and the ability to work effectively with complex technical systems. Demonstrated ability to translate requirements into well-architected technical designs while collaborating across engineering, research, product, and stakeholder teams. Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance attention to detail with a broader systems perspective. Demonstrated experience supporting technology transition efforts. Eligibility to obtain a U.S. government security clearance is required, with potential investigation requirements for higher-level clearance eligibility. U.S. citizenship is required, and successful completion of applicable background checks, drug testing, and security requirements is expected. A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Engineering or Computer Science is preferred. Benefits: Annual salary range of $140,004–$265,704 USD, depending on applicable grade and other compensation factors. Full-time position based primarily on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, with limited hybrid work-from-home options depending on project requirements. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time. 75% tuition discount available to eligible employees, spouses, and children. Opportunities for professional growth and development within a research-driven engineering environment. Opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions supporting complex scientific, engineering, technology, and government missions. Frequent exposure to multidisciplinary teams, research programs, sponsors, and technically challenging projects. Travel opportunities to sponsor, contractor, and second-party locations within and outside the continental United States, with trips potentially lasting up to two weeks.

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