Communications & Signal Processing R&D Engineer (Hybrid)

Penn State University; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 319,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

DoD SkillBridge participation

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a proactive Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to advance resilient communication systems for national security programs. You will prototype with SDRs, model PHYs, and contribute to waveform and protocol design while working with government sponsors.

The role emphasizes collaboration across ARL teams and a path toward seniority, with on-site and hybrid options at multiple Penn State sites.

Qualifications

• Technical background in communications and signal processing (e.g., waveform design, detection/estimation, protocol development, or channel modeling).
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for analysis and modeling.
• Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary, team-oriented environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and evaluate advanced signal processing algorithms and communication techniques.
• Model and simulate PHY protocols and waveform designs.
• Prototype communication capabilities using SDRs and open source tools.
• Contribute to waveform, modulation, and algorithm design for challenging channel environments.
• Perform system-level analysis, theoretical evaluation, and performance assessments.
• Document findings and present results to sponsors.

Skills

Team collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Clear technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree - 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 communication systems for national security programs. You will prototype with SDRs, model PHYs, and contribute to waveform and protocol design while working with government sponsors.

The role emphasizes collaboration across ARL teams and a path toward seniority, with on-site and hybrid options at multiple Penn State sites.