- 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
POSITION SPECIFICS:
We are searching for a talented and highly motivated Engineering Technologist, Electrical to join our Trusted Systems Engineering Department (TSED) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will support the design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware and software systems for trusted systems research and development. The selected candidate will work hands-on with electrical hardware, RF systems, and embedded software to build, integrate, and evaluate prototype and pre-production systems in a research environment.
This position will interact with engineers, researchers, and sponsors, spending the majority of time working at a PSU/ARL facility located in State College, PA.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will
- Assist in the design, fabrication, and integration of electrical hardware and RF system test setups/fixtures
- Develop, modify, and troubleshoot software (C, C++, Python) supporting hardware test, automation, and data collection
- Perform hands-on assembly, wiring, configuration, and bench-level testing of hardware/software systems
- Support system integration, test, and evaluation activities in lab and field environments; document results
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems and test environments
- Maintain lab equipment, inventory, and configuration records; support procurement of parts/tools as needed
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or related technical field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience)
- Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems (e.g., signal generation, RF test equipment, circuit-level troubleshooting)
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C, C++, and/or Python
- Familiarity with Linux operating systems (configuration, command line, basic administration)
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance up to TS/SCI
Preferred Skill/Experience include:
- Experience with embedded systems or hardware/software co-design
- Experience with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
- Prior DoD/IC laboratory, systems integration, or trusted systems experience
- Active security clearance (Secret or higher)
- Experience with scripting/automation for test and data collection
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required 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 $68,604.00 - $113,100.00.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Skills Required
- Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent education, training, and hands-on experience
- Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of relevant experience for the Intermediate Professional level
- Bachelor's degree for the Professional level; no prior relevant work experience required
- Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems, including signal generation, RF test equipment, and circuit-level troubleshooting
- Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, or Python
- Familiarity with Linux operating systems, configuration, command line, and basic administration
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance up to TS/SCI
- Experience with embedded systems or hardware/software co-design
- Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or network analyzers
- Prior DoD or IC laboratory, systems integration, or trusted systems experience
- Active Secret or higher security clearance
- Experience with scripting or automation for testing and data collection
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
-
Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
-
Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
