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- 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
We are seeking an Image Scientist to join our Image Science and Computer Vision team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This team advances the state-of-the-art in image processing, computer vision, and computational imaging. You will work with a diverse engineering team to design, build, test, and/or integrate solutions to problems in the area of defense, law enforcement, security, disaster relief, human geography, disaster preparedness, and first response.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Lead programs and be part of a highly collaborative team
- Support scientific research projects by summarizing current research and application materials Model the imaging chain for many sensing modalities and platforms across a wide array of applications
- Apply the scientific method across multiple disciplines to engineering and geospatial sciences and develop system analytics through organized experimentation
- Develop the ability to discover and capture information from geospatial data to better represent the most advanced understanding of world events, systems, and discrete entities
- Grow career and capabilities, Plan and conduct applied research, provide technical guidance, report results, foster trusted relationships with sponsors, lead small-to-medium research efforts, and advise on new and evolving technology and techniques
- Engage in research efforts ranging from proof-of-concept through integrated production systems.
Required skills/experience areas include:
- Subject matter expertise in modeling imaging systems and the image formation process in EO and/or SAR
- Support of imaging system research and development programs, and demonstrated leadership capabilities
- Independent research and high-quality documentation of findings to communicate to a diverse team
- Design of experiments, analysis, and design or apply meaningful metrics to measure results
- Execution of specific research projects and meet task deadlines and goals
- Excellent communication skills Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study
- Writing and executing scripts in Python, R, Java, MATLAB, or some other broadly accessible language
- Support of DoD/IC research programs
Your work location will 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 Research and Development Engineer - 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 - 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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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 $115,860.00 - $202,464.00.
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
- Subject matter expertise modeling imaging systems and the image formation process in EO and/or SAR
- Support of imaging system research and development programs with demonstrated leadership capabilities
- Independent research and high-quality documentation of findings
- Design of experiments, analysis, and application of meaningful metrics to measure results
- Execution of research projects meeting task deadlines and goals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science (required; role may be filled at different professional levels)
- U.S. citizenship (must be a U.S. citizen to apply)
- Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance and pass background checks
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
- Master's degree or higher
- Writing and executing scripts in Python, R, Java, MATLAB or similar languages
- Experience supporting DoD/IC research programs
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.
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.
