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Software Engineer Software Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

Sr Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

Rate: 90-115/hr DOE and compensation type On-Site in State College PA In the Senior ML/Data Science Software Engineering role, you will design, develop, and test AI/ML, Java and Python code in a ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate practical experience designing ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate practical experience designing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineer Software Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$62.1K

$144.3K

$201K

How much do software engineer software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer software engineer in State College, PA is $144,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $169,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with coding languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), version control systems (like Git), and development frameworks is typically required, and certifications like AWS Certified Developer are often beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability help software engineers collaborate effectively and navigate rapidly changing project requirements. These skills and qualifications are essential for building high-quality software, solving complex challenges, and contributing to successful technology projects.

How do Software Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Software Engineers frequently work alongside product managers, designers, QA testers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. Collaboration often involves participating in regular stand-up meetings, code reviews, and sprint planning sessions. Effective communication skills are essential, as engineers need to translate technical concepts for non-technical team members and incorporate feedback from various perspectives. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also helps engineers gain insights into different aspects of the product lifecycle.

What are software engineers?

Software engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain software applications or systems. They use programming languages, frameworks, and engineering principles to create solutions that meet user and business needs. Software engineers work in various industries, collaborating with other teams to ensure software is reliable, efficient, and scalable. Their roles may include writing code, debugging, reviewing code, and participating in the deployment and maintenance of software products.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Software Engineer vs Web Developer?

AspectSoftware EngineerWeb Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications like Microsoft, AWSBachelor's in CS, Web Development, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, offices, remote optionsWeb development teams, agencies, freelance work
Industry UsageTech, finance, healthcare, many sectorsDigital agencies, startups, e-commerce
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for coding skills and project scopeCompared for front-end/back-end focus and design skills

Software Engineers and Web Developers both create software solutions, but Software Engineers typically work on a broader range of applications across various industries, focusing on system architecture and backend development. Web Developers specialize in building websites and web applications, often with a focus on front-end design or back-end functionality. Both roles require coding skills and collaboration, but their work environments and project types differ.

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Software Engineer jobs in State College, PA? For Software Engineer Software Engineer jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Software Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Software Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Software Engineer Software Engineer jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Software Engineer Software Engineer job openings:
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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

225th of 611 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 seeking a Software Engineer to join the Applied Communications team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you'll implement and integrate advanced algorithms to support cutting-edge research applications addressing critical Department of Defense challenges.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military members.
You will:
  • Develop software solutions for cutting-edge research in communications systems
  • Design applications, libraries, interfaces, and device drivers for diverse system-level requirements
  • Implement and test algorithms across multiple domains: underwater, terrestrial, aerial, and space-based platforms
  • Create signal processing software for advanced communication systems
  • Apply your technical expertise to solve complex national security challenges
  • Expand your skills into new and adjacent technology areas

Additional responsibilities of higher-level position includes:
  • Provide technical leadership on software engineering projects
  • Mentor team members in technical skills, project management, and business development
  • Present technical concepts and project updates to external stakeholders and collaborators

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Strong computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, networking, distributed systems, memory management, security, databases, and hardware integration
  • Proficiency in C++ and C with strong object-oriented programming principles
  • High-performance algorithm design
  • Software architecture and infrastructure design expertise
  • Advanced Linux environment proficiency
  • Modern development tools: Git, GitLab, Atlassian suite (JIRA, Confluence, Bamboo, Artifactory, BitBucket, SonarQube)
  • Containerization and orchestration experience with Docker and Kubernetes
  • Understanding of mobile app and front-end UI/UX development
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with structured approaches to solution development

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • Management of multiple concurrent projects and priorities
  • Signal processing and algorithm development
  • Cellular and/or wireless communications
  • FPGA programming
  • Database expertise: SQL, NoSQL, and/or Big Data systems
  • MATLAB, Python, and/or Java
  • CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
  • Translation of business requirements into technical specifications
  • ATAK or WinTAK plug-in development experience
  • Cyber compliance policies and implementation requirements
  • Offline storage, threading, and performance optimization
  • Additional software languages (Rust, Bash, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
  • Software libraries (Google Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, FastAPI, pytest, React, Tailwind)
  • Software tools (AWS, Vim, CMake, GDB)

Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. Questions about work flexibility should be discussed with the hiring manager during interviews.
This role requires periodic travel required for field testing with small research teams
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 $121,704.00 - $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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