Engineering Project Manager

About

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a highly motivated and self-starting Engineering Project Manager to support a broad range of projects encompassing multiple technical disciplines and scopes. Our mission is to transition new electro-optics technologies and applications to Navy-selected focus platforms. Since 1999, the Electro-Optics Center has proudly served as the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Manufacturing Technology Center of Excellence for Electro-Optics.

Responsibilities

• Financial tracking and reporting: Develop and manage technical and financial status reports, as well as technical data package documentation for internal and external stakeholders; set priorities and recommend changes as needed; assist with detailed labor and cost tracking, including mid-month and end-of-project financial updates, and generate custom reports for external presentations
• Reporting and compliance: Assemble and submit regular reporting materials in accordance with sponsor guidelines, including quarterly reports, quad charts, trip reports, and project plan templates; analyze program costs, schedules, and milestones to assess risk and manage changes to program deliverables; this includes regular reporting to ARL project leadership and external collaborators, including government sponsors, and requires the application of independent thinking and advanced problem-solving skills
• Track and manage project deliverables: Develop and maintain deliverable tracking charts/schedules, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and timely updates
• Vendor and supply chain management: Coordinate vendor activities, including SOWs, RFQs, POs, and delivery schedules, ensuring alignment with project timelines and requirements
• Meeting facilitation: Organize and facilitate project meetings, including agenda creation, meeting minutes, and follow-up actions
• Stakeholder engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) and external stakeholders, assisting with day-to-day requests and ensuring deliverables are met on time

Requirements

• Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Project and Visio
• Fundamental project management concepts and their application to real-world projects
• Financial tracking and reporting, including labor planning and cost analysis
• Government contracts, including contract types, funding appropriations, and reporting requirements
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Success in an office environment where strong communication and organizational skills are essential for effectiveness
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• FFRDC, UARC, or other government laboratories
• Managing vendor relationships and supply chain activities
• Extensive experience with government contracts, including contract types, funding
• For higher level positions: requires the application of independent thinking and advanced problem-solving skills
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher, and willingness to undergo a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Work Location

This is a hybrid on-site/work from home, project-dependent ability for hybrid work located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

About ARL

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.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00. THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL

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.

EEO Statement

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.