Navigation Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in Warminster, PA, seeks a Navigation Research and Development Engineer to lead the strategic navigation team in developing high-accuracy navigation systems. The role involves modeling, simulation, data analysis, and collaboration with sponsors and program managers.

The position requires leading cross-functional teams, extensive MATLAB experience, and a strong background in precision navigation technologies, DoD projects, and

Qualifications

• Lead cross-functional R&D teams in navigation-related projects.
• Extensive MATLAB experience for design, modeling, and simulation.
• Deep expertise in inertial navigation, GPS, sensor fusion.
• DoD project experience and understanding of defense processes.
• Knowledge of signal processing and real-time data analysis.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster collaboration.
• Present complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in algorithms and navigation system design for undersea environments.
• Perform navigation modeling and simulation to support trade studies.
• Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance.
• Interact with program sponsors and stakeholders regularly.
• Prepare research papers and presentations on work performed.
• Document results and defend methods in reports.

Skills

Team leadership

MATLAB

Precision navigation

DoD projects

Signal processing

Mentoring

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science

Master's degree (EE/ME/AE/CS/Physics/Math) preferred

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Navigation Research and Development Engineer to join our Strategic Navigation team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and located in our Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD) in Warminster, PA. NRDD is focused on developing the most advanced navigation technologies in the world, built around unique laboratories specially designed to test the most precise navigation sensors and systems. Our mission is to conduct new navigation technology research and development, systems engineering, and provide expert knowledge for our Navy, Army, and other U.S. government sponsors. As part of our team, you will research, develop, analyze, implement, and test new capabilities for current and future high accuracy navigation systems. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will

• Lead a team of engineers in the design of algorithms and novel techniques for navigation systems for the undersea environment
• Individually, and as a team, lead and perform navigation modeling and simulation (M&S) to support trade studies
• Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance
• Interact and collaborate regularly with a team of fellow engineers and scientists, program management, program sponsors, and stakeholders
• Prepare research papers and make presentations related to work performed
• Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of navigation systems
• Document work through reports and presentations
• Regularly interact with program sponsors
• Participate in strategic planning activities
• Pursue new business development activities
• Manage program resources
• Develop program plans

Required skills/experience areas include

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in R&D projects, including task delegation, progress tracking, and stakeholder management
• Extensive experience in using MATLAB (or other programming languages) for design, modeling, and simulation of complex systems
• Deep expertise in precision navigation systems, including, inertial navigation, geophysical, GPS, or other sensor fusion techniques
• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) projects, including familiarity with defense acquisition process and standards
• Knowledge of signal processing, sensor integration, and real-time data analysis for navigation applications
• Experience in mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and sponsors
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for documentation, proposals, and reports

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• Navigation Theory
• State Space Estimation and Control Theory
• Stochastic Processes Theory
• Data Fusion Filter Design
• Geophysical and earth sciences
• Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science

14+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications: None

Your working location will be full-time on-site, located at the Navigation Research & Development Center (NRDC) in Warminster, PA.

Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require travel to support project meetings.

Background Check & 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 $140,004.00 - $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.

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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