Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer to join their Spectrum and Signature Solutions team. The mission focuses on understanding and exploiting electromagnetic environments for national defense.

The ideal candidate should possess a B.S. in Engineering or Science, extensive experience in RF/microwave instrumentation, and strong technical leadership skills. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered for full-time employees.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional role.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional role.
• 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate Professional role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive research as a Principal Investigator.
• Provide technical knowledge and develop concepts in electromagnetics.
• Conduct RF/microwave measurements and experimentation.
• Facilitate relationships across DoD and IC for technology application.

Skills

RF/microwave instrumentation (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers)

Troubleshooting of RF systems

MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control

Interpersonal and communication skills

Report writing capabilities

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Education

B.S. or B.A. in Engineering or Science

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

REMCOM XFdtd

Job description

We are seeking an Applied Electromagnetic / RF Research and Development Engineer to join our Spectrum and Signature Solutions team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This division is invested in the spectrum convergence mission space. Our mission is to understand, shape, and exploit the electromagnetic environment for the Warfighter’s advantage, develop strategic & operational advantages for the warfighter, and defend national interests across the vehicle domain.

Core 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 focused on applied electromagnetics
• 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 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
• Occasional travel per sponsor and program requirements

Additional Responsibilities (higher‑level positions)

• 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 applied electromagnetics 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

• Hands‑on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, antenna measurements, EMI/EMC measurements
• Hands‑on experience with in‑the‑lab and in‑the‑field troubleshooting of RF systems
• 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 and Experience

Senior Professional requires: B.S. or B.A. in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience; no required certifications.
Advanced Professional requires: B.S. or B.A. in Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience; no required certifications.
Intermediate Professional requires: B.S. or B.A. in Engineering or Science; 2+ years of relevant experience; no required certifications.

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 designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

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.