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Government Program Manager Jobs in State College, PA

S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is ... This role will support one of the program areas within the space portfolio and other exciting new ...

Focuses on continuously improving programs and methods to enhance the customer experience. Motivate ... with government regulations and company standards. Maintains established security procedures to ...

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Government Program Manager information

See State College, PA salary details

$51.8K

$114.4K

How much do government program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for government program manager in State College, PA is $109,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,400.00 and $113,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government program manager, and why are they important?

A Government Program Manager should possess strong project management skills, budgeting expertise, and a thorough understanding of government regulations, often supported by a relevant degree and PMP or similar certification. Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, government financial systems, and procurement platforms is highly beneficial. Outstanding soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication help build consensus among diverse stakeholders and navigate complex bureaucratic environments. These abilities are crucial for successfully managing multi-faceted government projects while ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and compliance requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by government program managers and how do they address them?

Government Program Managers often encounter challenges such as evolving policy requirements, tight budgets, and coordinating efforts between multiple agencies or departments. To address these issues, they rely on robust planning, transparent communication, and effective stakeholder engagement to anticipate changes and mitigate risks. They also stay current with regulatory updates and actively seek ways to streamline processes. Being proactive and adaptable helps them ensure projects remain on track and compliant, even in a dynamic government environment.

What is a government program manager?

A Government Program Manager oversees and coordinates government-funded programs, ensuring they meet objectives, stay within budget, and comply with regulations. They manage project timelines, lead teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve program goals. Responsibilities include strategic planning, risk management, and performance evaluation. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

What job categories do people searching Government Program Manager jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Government Program Manager jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Government Program Manager jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Government Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Government Program Manager job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,779 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

R&D System Safety Engineer - STATE COLLEGE, PA

Penn State University

State College, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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
We are searching for an experienced, motivated, and driven System Safety Engineer to join the Systems Engineering Department within the Undersea Systems Office at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) located fully on-site in State College, PA. Candidates should be comfortable working within the Department of Defense safety process and will be involved in the development of the next generation of undersea systems. The System Safety Engineer will operate across the entire lifecycle of undersea systems development, from concept formulation to design, build, and test. The candidate will develop in-depth knowledge of ARL-developed systems and will represent them within the safety community.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Subsystem Design Teams to learn the design and operation of ARL systems
  • Perform safety analyses as specified in MIL-STD-882E including Preliminary Hazard Analyses, Functional Hazard Analyses, Requirements Hazard Analyses, Subsystem Hazard Analyses, Software Safety Level of Rigor, etc.
  • Assess engineering documents, data, and artifacts to ensure component and system level safety compliance; identify and mitigate potential and existing hazards
  • Participate in anomaly investigations, failure review boards, and root cause/corrective action analyses
  • Collaborate with internal and external team members and United States Navy (USN) counterparts in order to ensure delivery of a safe product
  • Collaborate and maintain relationships within the community including sponsors, engineering teams, and program management
  • Participate in System Safety Working Groups to ensure that all aspects of system safety are addressed and communicated throughout the program
  • Communicate with government personnel including NOSSA (Naval Ordnance Safety Support Activity), the WSESRB (Weapon Systems Explosive Safety Review Board) and its constituent panels (FISTP, SSSTRP) and the Navy PHST center (Packaging, Handling, Shipping, Transportation) to identify and address requirements for safe shipping, handling and deployment of weapons systems
  • Brief the WSESRB and its constituent panels at periodic formal engagements as well as less formal "Tech Assist" meetings.
  • Brief program personnel including USN Program Manager(s), relevant Technical Warrant Holders, etc.
  • The person in this role will have the capability to work independently with external government, program, and contractor counterparts to develop successful system safety programs
  • Develop deliverable safety work products including System Safety Program Plans, Software System Safety Program Plans, Hazardous Material Management Plans, etc.

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:
  • Lead system safety efforts across one or more undersea programs
  • Lead team members in order to ensure the delivery of a safe product
  • Mentor staff in the system safety process including development of work products
  • Train additional staff in the System Safety process as required by ARL workload
  • Represent program(s) with presentations, analyses, and reports at engineering review boards, technical interchange meetings, and government safety working groups

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • System Safety Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
  • Effective at presenting in front of teams or groups, or creating conveying information to drive understanding, action, or decision
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, culture
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Familiarity with relevant engineering and safety standards
  • Ability to conduct various safety analyses: Functional Hazard Analysis, Fault Trees, Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), Requirements Hazard Analysis, Software Level of Rigor Analyses, etc.
  • Hardware circuit design and development
  • Embedded software development
  • Active government security clearance

Your working location will be located fully on-site in State College, PA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 $105,900.00 - $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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