Visualization Research And Development EngineerWe are searching for a driven, innovative Visualization Research And Development Engineer to join the Advanced Visualization Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department develops cutting-edge visualization solutions that push the boundaries of collaborative visualization, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) applications for critical national security missions.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Design experiences, interactions, and applications that support effective collaboration for research sponsorsDesign and implement application programming interfaces (APIs) to pass data between disparate software applicationsDevelop methodologies for effective integration, visualization, and dissemination of novel 3D data sources using game-engine-based synthetic environment frameworksCreate tool workflows or visual communication methods using internally and externally-developed toolkits to illustrate and document complex conceptsIntegrate features and solutions with synthetic environment frameworks being applied to multiple sponsored projects across domainsDeploy solutions to Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms including the latest hardware from Meta, Varjo, HTC, and othersPerform systems engineering activities to improve data flows and processesBrief research sponsors on technical solutionsDevelop engineering and technical documentationDraft whitepapers and proposals for research sponsorsAdditional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:Lead the development and prototyping of hardware and software-based solutions for sponsor challengesDefine immersive interaction standardsDevelop new processes for visualizing content using immersive technologyDevelop and manage new sponsor relationshipsDesign and develop architectures of industry-related engineering systems, applying knowledge of complex principles, theories, concepts, tools and techniques to design challengesIndependently manage multiple and/or large IT projectsPlan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scopeUnderstand broad strategic objectives and contribute to themDevelop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customerServe as a subject matter expert for the sponsor when neededRequired Skills/Experience areas include:Software development proficiency (C#, Python, or Java)Team-based software development, troubleshooting, and deployment experienceSoftware engineering, systems engineering, human computer interfaces, or visualization technologiesPreferred Skills/Experience areas include:Master's DegreeActive security clearance, TS/SCI preferred, or current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret/Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if requiredAdvanced software development in C#, Python, or Java focusing on modular programming and performanceExtended Reality (XR) application development (Unity/Unreal)Cloud deployment experience (AWS/Azure)Software containerization and deployment (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.)DevSecOps experienceGraphics programming – rendering, graphical shaders, etc.Network programming such as TCP/UDP and client-serverMessaging interfaces (ActiveMQ, DDS, Kafka, etc.)Databases (PostGRES-PostGIS preferred)Performance optimization and process automation experienceGeospatial data formats and standardsCompTIA Security+ certificationProject management or related skillsYour working location will be: fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston, VA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications: NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications: NoneARL'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).SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.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.EEO IS THE LAWPenn 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.
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