Engineering Technologist, Electrical

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an Engineering Technologist, Electrical to support design, integration, testing and debugging of trusted systems hardware and software. The role involves hands-on work with electrical hardware, RF systems and embedded software at PSU/ARL facilities in State College, PA, collaborating with engineers, researchers and sponsors.

The ideal candidate has an associate degree in a technical field and experience with C, C++, Python, Linux,

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a technical field with hands-on experience.
• Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems with basic troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python; Linux familiarity and command-line basics.
• Strong problem-solving, independent and collaborative work skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist design, fabrication, and integration of electrical hardware and RF test setups.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot software for hardware tests and data collection.
• Perform hands-on assembly, wiring, and bench testing of systems.
• Support system integration, testing, and documentation of results.
• Configure and maintain Linux-based test environments; manage lab inventory and procurement.

Skills

Electrical hardware

RF systems

C/C++/Python

Linux

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

RF test equipment

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Job description

Position Specifics

We are searching for a talented and highly motivated Engineering Technologist, Electrical to join our Trusted Systems Engineering Department (TSED) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will support the design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware and software systems for trusted systems research and development. The selected candidate will work hands-on with electrical hardware, RF systems, and embedded software to build, integrate, and evaluate prototype and pre-production systems in a research environment. This position will interact with engineers, researchers, and sponsors, spending the majority of its time working at a PSU/ARL facility located in State College, PA. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Assist in the design, fabrication, and integration of electrical hardware and RF system test setups/fixtures.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot software (C, C++, Python) supporting hardware test, automation, and data collection.
• Perform hands-on assembly, wiring, configuration, and bench-level testing of hardware/software systems.
• Support system integration, test, and evaluation activities in lab and field environments; document results.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems and test environments.
• Maintain lab equipment, inventory, and configuration records; support procurement of parts/tools as needed.

Required Skills/Experience

• Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or related technical field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience).
• Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems (e.g., signal generation, RF test equipment, circuit-level troubleshooting).
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C, C++, and/or Python.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems (configuration, command line, basic administration).
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance up to TS/SCI.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience with embedded systems or hardware/software co-design.
• Experience with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers).
• Prior DoD/IC laboratory, systems integration, or trusted systems experience.
• Active security clearance (Secret or higher).
• Experience with scripting/automation for test and data collection.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree; 1+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree; No prior relevant work experience required; Required Certifications: None.

About ARL

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).

For further information on ARL, visit our web site 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.

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 $68,604.00 - $113,100.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation and sick time.
• A generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees and 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 Statement

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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Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.

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