Navigation Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

Warminster Township (Bucks County)

On-site

USD 123,200 - 191,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Navigation Research and Development Engineer. This role involves leading a team in the design of innovative navigation systems, including modeling and simulation of navigation technologies. Candidates should have proficiency in MATLAB, depth in precision navigation systems, and experience with DoD projects. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field is required, and a Master's degree is preferred. Travel is required to support project meetings. A competitive salary range of $123,200.00 – $191,000.00 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

  • Proven ability to lead R&D teams and manage stakeholders.
  • Extensive experience in design, modeling, and simulation.
  • Deep expertise in precision navigation systems and sensor fusion.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team in designing algorithms for navigation systems.
  • Perform navigation modeling and simulation for trade studies.
  • Analyze multi-sensor data for system performance evaluation.

Skills

Lead cross‑functional R&D teams
MATLAB and other programming languages
Precision navigation systems
DoD project experience
Signal processing
Mentoring junior engineers
Technical presentation skills
Interpersonal skills
Technical writing skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science
Master’s degree in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB
Simulation software

Job description

Application Instructions:
Current Penn State employee, faculty, staff, technical service, or student: log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
Current Penn State student (not previously employed at the university) seeking employment with Penn State: log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
If you are not a current employee or student, click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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, located in our Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD) in Warminster, PA. NRDD focuses on developing advanced navigation technologies, testing precise navigation sensors and systems. Our mission is to conduct new navigation technology research and development, systems engineering, and provide expert knowledge for the 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.

  • Lead a team of engineers in the design of algorithms and novel techniques for navigation systems in the undersea environment.
  • Lead and perform navigation modeling and simulation (M&S) individually and with the team to support trade studies.
  • Analyze multi‑sensor data to evaluate system performance.
  • Interact and collaborate regularly with engineers, scientists, program management, program sponsors, and stakeholders.
  • Prepare research papers and present 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
  • Proven ability to lead cross‑functional R&D teams, including task delegation, progress tracking, and stakeholder management.
  • Extensive experience 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 DoD projects, including familiarity with defense acquisition processes and standards.
  • Knowledge of signal processing, sensor integration, and real‑time data analysis for navigation applications.
  • Experience 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
  • Navigation Theory.
  • State‑Space Estimation and Control Theory.
  • Stochastic Processes Theory.
  • Data Fusion Filter Design.
  • Geophysical and earth sciences.
  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering.
Working Location & Travel

Your working location will be full‑time on‑site at the Navigation Research & Development Center (NRDC) in Warminster, PA. This position requires travel to support project meetings.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Certifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science.
  • 14+ years of relevant experience.
  • Required Certifications: None.
Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. A pre‑employment drug screen is also required.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $123,200.00 – $191,000.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

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. 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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