Navigation Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; Warminster Township (Bucks County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Generous retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Navigation Research & Development team in Warminster, PA seeks a Navigation Research and Development Engineer. This full-time on-site role focuses on advancing high-accuracy navigation technologies for Navy/DoD programs.

You will lead algorithm design, perform M&S studies, and mentor engineers in a collaborative environment. You will interact with sponsors and stakeholders, prepare technical papers, and contribute to strategic planning while advancing state-of-the-art

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in R&D projects.
• Experience using MATLAB for design, modeling and simulation.
• Deep expertise in precision navigation systems including inertial, GPS, and sensor fusion.
• Familiarity with DoD projects, defense acquisition processes and standards.
• Knowledge of signal processing, sensor integration and real-time data analysis.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering collaboration.
• Ability to present complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills for internal and sponsor collaboration.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in designing algorithms and techniques for navigation systems.
• Lead navigation modeling and simulation to support trade studies.
• Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance.
• Collaborate with engineers, program management, sponsors and stakeholders.
• Prepare research papers and presentations related to work performed.
• Document work through reports and presentations.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

MATLAB

Precision navigation

DoD projects

Signal processing

Mentoring

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science

Master’s degree in related fields

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State 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 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
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering

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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ 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).

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 $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. 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.