Advanced Communications & Signal Processing R&D Engineer

Penn State University; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 318,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a proactive Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to advance resilient communications for national security. You will develop and test algorithms, prototype with SDRs, and collaborate with sponsors and multidisciplinary teams.

This role involves system-level analysis, documentation, and field demonstrations, with travel as needed. ARL welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

Qualifications

• Technical background in communications and signal processing (waveform design, channel modeling, etc.).
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for simulation/analysis.
• Able to collaborate in multidisciplinary, team-focused environments.
• Able to express technical ideas clearly in writing and speech.
• Eligible for security clearance at Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and evaluate advanced signal processing algorithms and communication techniques.
• Model and simulate PHY protocols and waveforms.
• Prototype capabilities using SDRs and open-source tools.
• Contribute to waveform, modulation, and algorithm design for challenging environments.
• Perform system-level analysis and performance assessments.
• Document findings and present results to sponsors.
• Engage in field tests and stakeholder engagements.
• Collaborate with ARL and government sponsors.

Skills

Technical background in comms & signal

MATLAB

Python

C++

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Clear written & oral communication

Security clearance eligibility (Secret

Education

MS/PhD in EE, CS, or related

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a proactive Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to advance resilient communications for national security. You will develop and test algorithms, prototype with SDRs, and collaborate with sponsors and multidisciplinary teams.

This role involves system-level analysis, documentation, and field demonstrations, with travel as needed. ARL welcomes transitioning military members to apply.