Guidance and Control Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 81,312 - 137,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks entry level Engineers to research, develop, analyze, implement, and test new capabilities for autonomous undersea systems in the Guidance and Control Technologies Division of the USO/ARL.

You will join design teams to develop guidance and control for current and future autonomous undersea systems, while collaborating with peers and documenting results through reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Design algorithms for vehicle guidance and control in an undersea environment, including signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and autonomous decision‑making.
• Analyze multi‑sensor data to evaluate system performance.
• Design, implement, integrate, and test software to demonstrate guidance and control algorithms.
• Collaborate and communicate with a team of peers.
• Document work through reports and presentations.

Skills

Communication skills

Matlab

Python

C++

Object‑oriented design

Vehicle autonomy

Object tracking

Classification

Machine learning

Fuzzy logic

Intelligent control

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering or Science)

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Guidance and Control Technologies Division in the Undersea Systems Office (USO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking entry level Engineers to research, develop, analyze, implement, and test new capabilities for autonomous undersea systems. You will be part of one or more design teams whose primary function is to develop guidance and control systems for current and future autonomous undersea systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design algorithms for vehicle guidance and control in an undersea environment, including signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and autonomous decision‑making.
• Analyze multi‑sensor data to evaluate system performance.
• Design, implement, integrate, and test software to demonstrate guidance and control algorithms.
• Collaborate and communicate with a team of peers.
• Document work through reports and presentations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Higher‑Level Position)

• Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of guidance and control systems.
• Lead specific tasks within the project scope.

REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Data Science.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Matlab, Python, C++ (or similar).
• Object‑oriented software design.
• Vehicle autonomy.
• Object tracking and classification.
• Machine learning.
• Intelligent control and fuzzy logic.

LOCATION

Full on‑site location in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science; 2+ years of relevant experience; no required certifications.
• Research and Development Engineer – Professional: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science; no prior relevant work experience required; no required certifications.

BACKGROUND CHECKS / CLEARANCES

• Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.
• 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.
• Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $81,312.00 – $137,280.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time), and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

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.