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POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join our Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Electromagnetic Effects and Applications (EMEA) department measures, analyzes, and evaluates Radio Frequency (RF) signatures of multiple platforms including undersea, maritime, land, and air. We provide comprehensive signature management solutions to support our customers' needs.
Intentional Electromagnetic Interfere (IEMI) and directed energy research core competencies are:
- Electromagnetic Test & Evaluation
- Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum profiling
- Electromagnetic Vulnerability (EMV) assessment
- Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI)
- Electromagnetic Cyber Attack (EMCA)
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
- Possess knowledge of antenna concepts, parameters, and applications
- 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
- Occasionally travel per sponsor and program requirements
Additional responsibilities of higher-level positions 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 RF Microwave 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:
- RF/microwave instrumentation to include: network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, and RF materials characterization
- In-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems
- Radar systems and hardware
- MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Excellent report writing capability
- RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
- Electromagnetic simulation tools such as: CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd
- MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
- Established understanding and expertise art RF/microwave measurement instrumentation
Preferred skills/knowledge include:
- Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance
This position will fully on-site in State College, PA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Electronics (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 - Electronics (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ 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 $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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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science
- 5+ years (Advanced Professional) or 14+ years (Senior Professional) relevant experience
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain government security clearance
- RF/microwave instrumentation experience including network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, RF materials characterization
- In-lab and in-field troubleshooting of RF systems
- Radar systems and hardware knowledge
- MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
- Electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd
- Experience conducting measurements in anechoic and EMC chambers and outdoor test ranges
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and report writing skills
- Established expertise in RF/microwave measurement instrumentation
- Ability to pass background checks and participate in drug testing and monitoring program
- Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
