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- 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
We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer to join the Quantum Research Department within the Multimodal Spectrum and Sensing Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department advances cutting-edge sensing technologies in both the quantum and classical regimes in order to support critical national security missions. This role will perform numerical simulations (primarily electromagnetic but also multi-physics modeling) while conducting technical assessments and literature reviews of emerging classical and quantum sensor technologies to inform strategic decision-making for our government sponsors.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Utilize numerical simulation software (mainly CST) to perform simulations. These simulations will mostly be electromagnetic in nature but sometimes multi-physics such as electromagnetic + thermal + fluid flow. The simulations are mostly in the realm of sensors and devices
- Perform assessment work on various topics of interest to our government sponsors in the realm of sensors. This will include literature analysis and review of current market options
- Work on a wider variety of topics that span different domains of physics, sometimes more niche (such as X-ray physics) depending on sponsor interests
- Sometimes perform hands-on experimental work in optics
- Write script to generate plots and process data
- Write reports or create slides summarizing results
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Numerical simulation software, or at the very least, possess the capability and drive to learn this software
- Electromagnetics
- Past success in writing white papers or reports
- Ability to perform broad research on a topic of interest and summarize findings
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
- Hands on experimentation experience
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as MATLAB or Python
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Astronomical Sciences, Astronomy, and Astrophysics (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Astronomical Sciences, Astronomy, and Astrophysics (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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.
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
- Numerical simulation software (ability or willingness to learn; experience with CST preferred)
- Electromagnetics experience
- Past success writing white papers or technical reports
- Ability to perform broad technical research and summarize findings
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
- 2+ years relevant experience (if filled as Intermediate Professional)
- 5+ years relevant experience (if filled as Advanced Professional)
- U.S. citizenship (must be a U.S. citizen to apply)
- Eligibility to obtain government security clearance and pass background checks
- Hands-on experimentation experience (optics)
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as MATLAB or Python
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at Secret level or higher
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.
