Microwave R&D Engineer: RF Systems & Field Testing

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 121,704 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State seeks a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team. The role focuses on RF/microwave research, measurements, and signature analysis across ground, air, sea, and underwater platforms.

This on-site position in State College, PA offers opportunities to lead projects, develop instrumentation, and collaborate with DoD clients and industry partners.

Qualifications

• RF/microwave instrumentation including network/spectrum analysis and antenna measurements.
• In-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems.
• Radar systems and hardware basics.
• MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations.
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd.
• Established understanding of RF/microwave measurement instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive R&D focused on applied electromagnetics as a PI.
• Develop concepts and supervise RF instrumentation projects.
• Provide RF/microwave engineering expertise for ground, air, and sea operations.
• Contribute to automation/control of RF instrumentation and measurements.
• Perform lab-based and field measurements and experiments.
• Coordinate outdoor tests, anechoic chamber, and EMC chamber work.
• Assist with field-measurement setups and test plans.

Skills

RF/microwave instrumentation

MATLAB/Python for control and analysis

Interpersonal/communication skills

RF/microwave engineering for G/A/Sea

Antenna concepts/parameters

In-lab and field troubleshooting

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

REMCOM XFdtd

Job description

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State seeks a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team. The role focuses on RF/microwave research, measurements, and signature analysis across ground, air, sea, and underwater platforms.

This on-site position in State College, PA offers opportunities to lead projects, develop instrumentation, and collaborate with DoD clients and industry partners.