Microwave Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join the ARL's Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team, focusing on RF signatures and directed energy research.

The role includes PI-level leadership, access to RF labs, and field measurements across ground, air and sea platforms, with occasional travel to sponsor sites. Strong MATLAB/Python skills and CST/REMCOM tool experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• 14+ years of relevant experience.
• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance preferred.
• Experience with RF/microwave systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive R&D on applied electromagnetics as Principal Investigator.
• Provide RF/microwave engineering knowledge for ground, air and sea operations.
• Develop concepts and oversee sensitive research projects.
• Assist with field-measurement setups and test plans; travel as required by sponsor.

Skills

RF/microwave instrumentation

MATLAB

Python

Antenna concepts

In-the-field testing

RF measurement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or 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