Microwave Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) invites applications for a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to lead RF/microwave projects across ground, air, and sea platforms. The role emphasizes hands-on measurement, instrumentation, and advancing state-of-the-art RF solutions.

As a senior member of the EMEA team, you will guide RF test campaigns, develop concepts, and mentor engineers while collaborating with DoD stakeholders.

Qualifications

• RF/microwave instrumentation including network and spectrum analysis.
• In-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems.
• Radar systems and hardware knowledge.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent report writing capability.
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea operations.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive R&D in applied electromagnetics as PI.
• Provide technical leadership within the lab and develop concepts.
• Conduct RF/microwave lab and field measurements and experiments.
• Facilitate outdoor test ranges, anechoic and EMC chambers.
• Travel per sponsor requirements when needed.

Skills

RF instrumentation

Lab troubleshooting

Radar systems

MATLAB/Python

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

RF engineering

EM simulation

RF measurement

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Science

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

REMCOM XFdtd

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join our Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Electromagnetic Effects and Applications (EMEA) department measures, analyzes, and evaluates Radio Frequency (RF) signatures of multiple platforms including undersea, maritime, land, and air. We provide comprehensive signature management solutions to support our customers' needs. Intentional Electromagnetic Interfere (IEMI) and directed energy research core competencies are: Electromagnetic Test & Evaluation Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum profiling Electromagnetic Vulnerability (EMV) assessment Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) Electromagnetic Cyber Attack (EMCA). ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal Investigator (PI)
• Provide technical knowledge within the laboratory, develop concepts, and oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics
• Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
• Possess knowledge of antenna concepts, parameters, and applications
• Contribute to solutions for the automation/control of RF instrumentation
• Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in-the-field measurements and experimentation
• Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges, anechoic chamber, and EMC chambers
• Assess and validate state-of-the art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
• Assist with field-measurement setups and test plans
• Occasionally travel per sponsor and program requirements

Additional responsibilities of higher-level positions include:

• Develop program management plans from the technical perspective and develop technical documents that satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations
• Lead engineers in day-to-day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables.
• Develop and present project/program status reports
• Provide technical leadership within the laboratory in RF Microwave research
• Facilitate relationships across the DoD and the IC with a focus on moving technologies from fundamental research to applied solutions
• Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base

Required knowledge/skills include:

• RF/microwave instrumentation to include: network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, and RF materials characterization
• In-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems
• Radar systems and hardware
• MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Excellent report writing capability
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as: CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd
• MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
• Established understanding and expertise art RF/microwave measurement instrumentation

Preferred skills/knowledge include:

• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance

This position will fully on-site in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Electronics (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Electronics (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience 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 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.

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 $121,704.00 - $231,000.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. 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. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.