Microwave Research and Development Engineer

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

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 Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Electronics (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the 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.

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