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Software Manager Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Penn State University

Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$109 - $191/hr

Software development tools such as testing, configuration management, and issue tracking* Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial ...

AVTC Group

Software Eningeer

State College, PA · On-site

... management of operations concepts, requirements (system, element, segment level), external and internal interfaces, and other software engineering work products/artifacts. Qualifications You Must ...

AVTC Group

Sr Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

... management of operations concepts, requirements (system, element, segment level), external and internal interfaces, and other software engineering work products/artifacts. Qualifications You Must ...

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Software Manager information

See State College, PA salary details

$72.9K

$139.7K

$174.1K

How much do software manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for software manager in State College, PA is $139,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $165,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software manager?

A software manager oversees the development, installation, and maintenance of new or upgraded software for an organization. As a software manager, you coordinate with staff to determine client needs and expectations, establish budget and timelines, and ensure that employees use the product correctly. You may also train company employees on how to utilize the software after it is installed and help troubleshoot problems that arise.

What does a software manager do?

A Software Manager oversees software development teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. They coordinate between team members, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders about progress and requirements. Additionally, they may be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and evaluating team performance. Their role bridges the gap between technical staff and upper management to align technology goals with business objectives.

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

To thrive as a Software Manager, you need a strong background in software development, project management, and leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, version control systems like Git, and project management tools such as Jira is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills set outstanding managers apart in this role. These competencies are essential for delivering projects on time, fostering effective collaboration, and driving high-performing engineering teams.

How does a software manager typically balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

Software Managers often juggle both technical and leadership duties, but the balance can vary depending on the organization and team size. In many cases, Software Managers spend a significant portion of their time on people management tasks such as mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, planning sprints, and facilitating communication between stakeholders. However, they may also remain involved in architectural decisions or critical technical challenges to stay connected with the team's work. Effective Software Managers prioritize delegating coding tasks to their team while focusing on enabling productivity, resolving blockers, and ensuring project alignment with business goals.

What is the difference between Software Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware ManagerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; management experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDevelops software, writes code, tests applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, large enterprisesUsed across all tech sectors, startups, corporate IT

The main difference between a Software Manager and a Software Engineer lies in their roles. Software Managers focus on team leadership, project management, and strategic planning, while Software Engineers are primarily responsible for coding and developing software. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work focus differ significantly.

More about Software Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Software jobs in State College, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Manager jobs in State College, PA?

For Software Manager jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Manager jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Manager jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Software Manager jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Software Manager job openings:

Software Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Manager job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,690 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Software Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 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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