Communications & Signal Processing Engineer SDR Prototyping

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 120,485 - 200,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to advance DoD signal processing and wireless communication research. You will work on developing, testing, and prototyping resilient systems with MATLAB/Python and SDR tools.

The role requires strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, clear technical communication, and readiness to obtain security clearance; on-site with potential travel to sponsor sites.

Qualifications

• Technical background in communications and signal processing with waveform design or channel modeling.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for simulation/analysis.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary, team-oriented environments.
• Clear written and oral communication of complex ideas.
• Eligible for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and evaluate advanced signal processing algorithms and communication techniques.
• Model and simulate PHY protocols and waveforms for communications systems.
• Prototype capabilities using SDRs and open source tools.
• Contribute to waveform, modulation, and algorithm design for challenging channels.
• Perform system-level analysis, theoretical evaluation, and performance assessments.
• Document findings, prepare recommendations, and present results to sponsors.
• Participate in field tests, demonstrations, and sponsor engagements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ARL and government sponsors.
• Lead technical tasks or project components (higher level positions).

Skills

Technical background in communications

Signal processing

MATLAB or Python

Team collaboration

Clear written and oral communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to advance DoD signal processing and wireless communication research. You will work on developing, testing, and prototyping resilient systems with MATLAB/Python and SDR tools.

The role requires strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, clear technical communication, and readiness to obtain security clearance; on-site with potential travel to sponsor sites.