Microwave Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 109,300 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Generous paid time off

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families

Job summary

A leading research facility is seeking a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join their Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team. This full-time on-site role involves overseeing RF/microwave projects, conducting field measurements, and providing technical leadership. Candidates must possess strong RF system troubleshooting skills, be proficient in MATLAB and Python, and ideally hold an active DoD clearance. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and relevant experience are essential, along with excellent communication and report writing capabilities. Salary ranges from $109,300 to $191,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience for the position.
• 14+ years of relevant experience required for Senior Professional.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive research and development as a Principal Investigator.
• Develop concepts and provide technical leadership in RF/microwave engineering.
• Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in-the-field measurements.
• Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges and anechoic chambers.
• Assess and validate RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base.
• Assist with field-measurement setups and prepare test plans.
• Lead engineers and present project status reports.

Skills

RF/microwave instrumentation

In-lab and in-field troubleshooting of RF systems

Radar systems and hardware experience

MATLAB

Python

Interpersonal communication skills

Report writing capability

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Microwave Research and Development Engineer

Join to apply for the Microwave Research and Development Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

Position Overview

We are seeking a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join our Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team at Penn State. The role focuses on applied electromagnetics and RF signature management for undersea, maritime, land, and air platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sensitive research and development as a Principal Investigator.
• Develop concepts and provide technical leadership in RF/microwave engineering.
• 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 requirements.
• Lead engineers in day‑to‑day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables and present project status reports.

Qualifications

• RF/microwave instrumentation: network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, and RF materials characterization.
• In‑lab and in‑field troubleshooting of RF systems.
• Radar systems and hardware experience.
• MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent report writing capability.
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd.

Preferred

• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience. For Senior Professional: 14+ years of relevant experience.

Location

Full‑time, on‑site in State College, PA.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $109,300.00 – $191,000.00. Benefits include competitive medical, dental, vision coverage; robust retirement plans; generous paid time off; and 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families.

Security & Clearances

Employment requires a U.S. citizen and successful background check. Applicants must obtain a government security clearance; disclosure during interview process.

EEO Statement

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.