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 an Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer to join our Spectrum and Signature Solutions team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This division is invested in the spectrum convergence mission space. Our mission is to understand, shape, and exploit the electromagnetic environment for the Warfighter’s advantage. Develop strategic & operational advantages for the warfighter, and defend national interests across the vehicle domain.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal Investigator (PI)
- Provide technical knowledge within the laboratory, develop concepts, and oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics
- Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
- Contribute to solutions for the automation/control of RF instrumentation
- Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in-the-field measurements and experimentation
- Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges, anechoic chamber, and EMC chambers
- Assess and validate state-of-the art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
- Assist with field-measurement setups and test plans
- Occasional travel per sponsor and program requirements
Additional responsibilities of higher level positions may include:
- Develop program management plans from the technical perspective and develop technical documents that satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations
- Lead engineers in day to day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables. Develop and present project/program status reports
- Provide technical leadership within the laboratory in applied electromagnetics research
- Facilitate relationships across the DoD and the IC with a focus on moving technologies from fundamental research to applied solutions
- Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
Required knowledge/skills include:
- Hands on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, antenna measurements, EMI/EMC measurements
- Hands on experience with in-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems
- Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Excellent report writing capabilities
- RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
- Electromagnetic simulation tools such as: CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd
Preferred knowledge/skills include:
- Familiarity radar systems and hardware
- Familiarity with antenna design, simulation, and prototyping
- Familiarity with RF/microwave materials characterization measurement and instrumentation
- Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance
A Master's degree or PhD
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MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience
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 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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