Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer for the Spectrum and Signature Solutions team. This position entails oversight of RF-related projects, providing technical knowledge, and conducting testing and measurements.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and have substantial experience with RF/microwave instrumentation. The role offers competitive salary and benefits, including medical coverage and tuition discounts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation.
• Familiarity with electromagnetic simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive research and development in applied electromagnetics.
• Provide technical leadership and develop program management plans.
• Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in-the-field measurements.

Skills

Hands-on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation

Troubleshooting RF systems

Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Python

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Report-writing capabilities

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Network analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Antenna measurements

EMI/EMC measurements

Job description

Application Instructions

Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – log in to Workday to apply internally. Current Penn State student (not previously employed) – log in to Workday for the student application process. Non‑employees or non‑students – click "Apply" and complete the external applicant process.

Remote Work Notice

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 Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer to join the Spectrum and Signature Solutions team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The unit supports the spectrum convergence mission space, providing strategic and operational advantages for the warfighter and defending national interests across the vehicle domain.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea‑based operations.
• 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 chambers, 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.
• Occasional travel per sponsor and program requirements.

Additional Responsibilities (Senior Level)

• Develop program management plans from the technical perspective and produce technical documents that satisfy stakeholder requirements and expectations.
• Lead engineers in day‑to‑day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables and develop and present project/program status reports.
• Provide technical leadership within the laboratory in applied electromagnetics research.
• Facilitate relationships across the DoD and the IC, 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

• Hands‑on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, antenna measurements, EMI/EMC measurements.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting RF systems in‑lab and in‑field.
• Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent report‑writing capabilities.
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air, and sea‑based operations.
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd.

Preferred Knowledge / Skills

• Familiarity with radar systems and hardware.
• Familiarity with antenna design, simulation, and prototyping.
• Familiarity with RF/microwave materials characterization measurement and instrumentation.
• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance.
• A Master’s degree or PhD.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Research & Development Engineer – Signal Processing (ARL) – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.
• Research & Development Engineer – Signal Processing (ARL) – Advanced Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.
• Research & Development Engineer – Signal Processing (ARL) – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.

ARL Purpose

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).

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in ARL drug testing, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. 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 $105,900.00 – $231,000.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount available to employees and eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit the Benefits Page.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

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.