Penn State University

Technical Engineering Project Manager

Penn State University • $92K — $174K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in data labeling or preparation for machine learning projects
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams of analysts or interns
  • Strong knowledge of data quality principles and quality control methods
  • Familiarity with machine learning concepts involving labeled data
  • Understanding of defense missions and the operational issues addressed by applied research
  • Established professional connections to transition research within technical or operational communities
  • Eligibility for TS/SCI level classified information access

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of data labeling projects, defining standards and workflows
  • Perform high-quality data labeling and annotation across varied data types
  • Mentor and manage a team of junior analysts and interns to ensure project success
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive labeling guidelines and documentation
  • Implement quality control processes, including audits and agreement checks
  • Collaborate with data scientists and engineers to meet model requirements
  • Track metrics on project progress and communicate risks or issues

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members
  • Support for personal and professional well-being
Full Job Description
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. We are searching for an experienced analyst to join our Research Artificial Intelligence Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will focus on planning, executing, and delivering high-quality labeled datasets that fuel machine learning models and research outcomes. You will also contribute to data labeling and analysis while leading and mentoring a team of junior analysts and interns to complete labeling projects accurately, consistently, and on schedule. You will: - Lead end-to-end execution of data labeling projects, including defining labeling standards, workflows, quality criteria, and acceptance thresholds in support of machine learning initiatives - Perform data labeling and annotation across relevant data types, setting the standard for quality and consistency on the team - Lead, mentor, and coordinate a team of junior analysts and interns, assigning work, reviewing output, and ensuring labeling accuracy, throughput, and timely delivery - Develop and maintain labeling guidelines, taxonomies, and documentation to ensure consistency and repeatability across labelers - Establish and monitor quality control processes, including inter-annotator agreement checks, spot audits, and error correction workflows - Partner with data scientists, engineers, and research leads to understand model requirements and translate them into effective labeling schemas and datasets - Track project progress, throughput, and quality metrics; report status and escalate risks or blockers as needed - Ensure all data handling, labeling, and storage practices comply with applicable cybersecurity, information governance, and data-handling requirements - Develop a strong understanding of the mission and the problems being solved, and apply that context to improve labeling quality and prioritization - Support the dissemination of research and results to the broader technical and operational community, leveraging professional networks and outreach where possible - Identify and recommend improvements to labeling tools, processes, and workflows to increase efficiency and quality - Coordinate schedules, priorities, and resources across the labeling effort and with dependent project teams Required Skills/Experience areas include: - Demonstrated experience leading or performing data labeling, annotation, or data preparation for machine learning projects - Past success leading, mentoring, or coordinating a team, including junior staff and/or interns - Data quality principles and quality control methods (e.g., inter-annotator agreement, audit workflows) - Familiarity with machine learning concepts and how labeled data supports model training and evaluation - Strong understanding of the defense mission, including the operational problems that applied research seeks to address - An existing professional network/connections and experience helping share or transition research to the broader technical or operational community - Success supporting the military, IC, federal customers, in a security-controlled environment - Familiarity with cybersecurity, information governance, and data-handling practices (e.g., NIST RMF) - Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective - Current eligibility for access to classified information at the TS/SCI level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00. 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.

About Penn State University

Penn State University Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at Penn State University—the hub of innovation and professional growth.

Opportunities Await

Join Penn State University's dynamic team to assist in shaping the future of education and research. With a variety of positions available, from administrative roles to research-focused appointments, Penn State is at the forefront of fostering leadership and professional development. Transform your career trajectory with the best minds at Penn State University, where the culture of diversity and innovation thrives. This institution stands unique in the marketplace, offering a blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. Engage with a network of professionals dedicated to groundbreaking work and collaborative success across various disciplines.

Penn State University Job Opportunities

The team is actively building a market-leading workforce to support some of the most significant and innovative projects in academia and beyond.

Innovate and Lead

Join the largest network of academic and industry professionals at Penn State University, where over 17,000 dedicated individuals work at the intersection of education, research, and community service.

Drive Change

Deliver targeted solutions and educational advancements through a depth and breadth of expertise that is unmatched in the academic sector.

Be Part of a Great Team

Work with a diverse team leveraging Penn State University's extensive resources and global connections to develop solutions that make a real-world difference.

Future-Proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support from Penn State University.

Explore

Discover how Penn State University leads in sustainable practices and innovative research projects that pave the way for future generations.

The Penn State University Employment Experience

The combined expertise, global reach, and collaborative environment at Penn State University help overcome challenges and lead transformation in the academic and professional world. Candidates around the globe look to Penn State for new strategies and robust career paths to drive growth and success in the digital era.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Penn State University seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH PENN STATE JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who are part of Penn State.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Penn State University.
Learn more about Penn State University

Similar Jobs

  • Senior Data Analyst
    $115K — $145K *
    Blue Water Thinking
    Remote
  • Specialist - Data Engineering
    $110K — $130K *
    LTIMindtree Limited
    Jersey City, NJ 07305 (Hudson County)
  • Data Analyst
    $80K — $95K *
    SpecPro Sustainment and Environmental, LLC
    Fort Washington, MD 20744 (Prince Georges County)
  • Data Analyst
    $80K — $95K *
    SpecPro Sustainment and Environmental, LLC
    Washington, DC 20011 (District Of Columbia County)
  • Saatchi & Saatchi
    Senior Analyst, Analytics
    $73K — $112K *
    Saatchi & Saatchi
    New York, NY 10025 (New York County)
  • Zynga
    Data Analyst - Poker
    $118K — $142K *
    Zynga
    Toronto, ON M3C 0E3

More Jobs at Penn State University

More Technical Services Jobs

Find similar Technical Engineering Project Manager jobs: