Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

Penn State College of Education

Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer at Penn State conducting research on secure system design and collaborating with sponsors in cyberspace operations research.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeReston • Maryland, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $110,520 - $240,960 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityJavaPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for secure system design, implementation, and hardening
Leverage expertise in software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements
Assist the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project-related correspondence
Provide process enhancement for technical controls implementation, architectural enhancements, and security test and evaluation projects
Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects
Provide guidance to lower-level R&D Engineers to foster professional growth

Requirements

What you’ll need

Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles
Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration
Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating system administration
Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (to include at a minimum C, Java, and Python)
Knowledge of cybersecurity testing / penetration testing tools and methodologies
Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making
Active government security clearance at SECRET level

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C ProgrammingJava ProgrammingPython ProgrammingSystem AdministrationNetwork FundamentalsSecure ConfigurationTechnical DocumentationPenetration Testing MethodologiesArchitectural EnhancementsSecurity Test and Evaluation

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationMentoring