Research And Development Jobs in Pennsylvania
Research And Development jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Greater Lehigh Valley, where employers like Merck, GSK, and the University of Pennsylvania Health System maintain large R&D operations. The most in-demand specialties include pharmaceutical development, biomedical engineering, and materials science, with openings at every level from junior research associates to principal scientists. Pennsylvania is one of the more active markets on the East Coast for life sciences and advanced manufacturing research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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 .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing.
- Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
- Assist with development of proposals for projects
- Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
- Lead fiber-optic-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
- Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
- Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
- Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies
- Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects
- Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications
- Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as it relates to DoD system applications
- Substantial knowledge / awareness in the following-
- Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices
- Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems
- Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing
- Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
- Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation
Preferred Skills/Experienced areas include:
- A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
- Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
- Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem
- Business development experience with government customers
- Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance
- Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems
Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
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.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
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 .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing.
- Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
- Assist with development of proposals for projects
- Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
- Lead fiber-optic-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
- Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
- Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
- Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies
- Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects
- Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications
- Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as it relates to DoD system applications
- Substantial knowledge / awareness in the following-
- Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices
- Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems
- Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing
- Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
- Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation
Preferred Skills/Experienced areas include:
- A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
- Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
- Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem
- Business development experience with government customers
- Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance
- Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems
Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
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.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See All 21 Research And Development Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research And Development JobsResearch And Development Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research And Development Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Penn State University16
- Eisai1
- WellSpan Health1
- PMC Organometallix1
- Honeywell Aerospace1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant science, engineering, or technical discipline
- Demonstrated laboratory or applied research experience in an industry or academic setting
- Proficiency with data analysis software and statistical tools used in experimental design
- Familiarity with GMP, GLP, or other regulatory compliance standards common in Pennsylvania industries
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to cross-functional teams
- Experience managing research projects, timelines, and documentation in a structured environment
Research And Development Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research and development professional in Pennsylvania?
Most research and development roles in Pennsylvania require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, engineering, or materials science, with many positions preferring a master's or doctoral degree. Pennsylvania does not issue a general R&D license, but roles in pharmaceutical or medical device R&D often require familiarity with FDA regulatory standards. Building laboratory or applied research experience through university programs, co-ops, or industry internships at Pennsylvania institutions significantly strengthens candidacy.
Which companies hire research and developments in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring research and developments in Pennsylvania right now include Penn State University, Eisai, and WellSpan Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's dense concentration of pharmaceutical, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing firms means R&D hiring is distributed across the Philadelphia metro, Greater Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley corridor.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most research and development jobs?
University Park, Lansdale, and Pennsylvania account for the largest share of research and development openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its pharmaceutical and biotech cluster anchored by companies like Merck and GSK, while Pittsburgh draws on Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh's deep ties to robotics, materials science, and health technology research.
Are there remote research and development jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much R&D work requires laboratory access or on-site equipment. About 56% of research and development openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in data analysis, regulatory affairs, clinical research coordination, and technical writing rather than hands-on lab roles.
How can I get hired as a research and development professional in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op, internship, or research assistant role while completing or just after finishing a relevant degree. Pennsylvania's large research universities, including Penn State, Drexel, and Carnegie Mellon, run structured co-op programs that place students directly with industry employers. Pharmaceutical companies like GSK and chemical manufacturers in the Lehigh Valley regularly hire new graduates into associate scientist or lab technician roles, and a strong research portfolio or thesis project in a relevant discipline provides a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to research and development jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to research and development jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across industries including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 21 Research And Development Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research And Development Jobs