Electrical Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an Electrical Research and Development Engineer to design, develop, integrate, test, and troubleshoot control systems and embedded electronics for research, prototype, and field operations in State College, PA.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware and software work, PLC programming, and embedded programming, with opportunities to advance in a DoD‑facing research environment and collaborate across engineering teams,

Qualifications

• Past success with control systems, embedded or automation systems.
• PLC programming and/or embedded programming experience.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software in lab/field.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and document results.
• Strong written and verbal communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot control and embedded systems for engineering projects.
• Develop PLC programs for automated control systems and HMI screens.
• Design, develop, and support embedded software for microcontrollers and SBCs.
• Integrate electrical, mechanical, and software components into complete systems.
• Support testing, field demonstrations, and sponsor reviews.

Skills

Control systems

Embedded programming

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Written/verbal communication

Team collaboration

Electrical aptitude

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Rockwell PLCs

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

CAN bus

Python

Raspberry Pi

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a motivated Electrical Research and Development Engineer with experience in PLC programming, embedded programming, or both to join the Vehicle Investigation and Cybersecurity Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will support the design, development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, embedded electronics, and automation solutions for research, prototype, and operational systems.

This position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on technical work, working with hardware and software, solving real‑world system problems, and supporting projects from concept through testing and field demonstration. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Support the development and integration of control and embedded systems for a variety of engineering projects
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for automated control systems
• Design and support human‑machine interface systems, operator screens, and control logic
• Develop embedded software for microcontrollers, single‑board computers, sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces
• Integrate electrical, mechanical, and software components into complete working systems
• Support system checkout, bench testing, lab testing, and field demonstrations
• Read and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and technical specifications
• Troubleshoot control systems, embedded electronics, sensors, communication networks, and field wiring
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, project managers, and sponsors to develop practical technical solutions
• Document software, control logic, test procedures, system configurations, and design changes
• Support prototype development, system upgrades, and technology transition efforts

Additional responsibilities for higher‑level position includes:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
• Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
• Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission‑critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
• Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements
• Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors
• Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program status

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success with control systems, embedded systems, automation systems, or related software/hardware integration
• PLC programming, embedded programming, or both
• Past success troubleshooting hardware and software issues in a lab or field environment and have a working knowledge of sensors, actuators, relays, motor controllers, communication interfaces, and electrical control systems
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, schematics, and technical documentation with strong problem‑solving skills
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience collaborating in multi‑disciplinary, team‑oriented cultures
• Hands‑on electrical and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to move between software development, wiring, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced research and development environment
• Ability to develop practical solutions for complex technical problems
• A willingness to learn new tools, programming languages, hardware platforms, and control system architectures

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs, Studio 5000, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, or similar PLC platforms
• HMI screens using FactoryTalk View, C‑more, Ignition, or similar HMI/SCADA software.
• Embedded programming using C, C++, Python, or similar languages
• Microcontrollers, Linux‑based embedded systems, NVIDIA Jetson platforms, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar hardware
• CAN bus, J1939, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, serial communications, TCP/IP networking, or other industrial communication protocols
• Data acquisition systems, instrumentation, robotics, autonomous systems, vehicle systems, marine systems, or industrial automation
• Supporting prototype design, integration, test events, field demonstrations, or customer‑facing technical reviews

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Your working location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required. Required Certifications: None.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): 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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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.

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