Part-Time Systems Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA, seeks Systems Research and Development Engineers to advance radar signal processing and machine learning within the Materials Science and Applications Department. On-site work with periodic travel to remote locations is required.

You will design, implement, and transition algorithms for radar data on neuromorphic hardware, collaborating with senior engineers, scientists, and sponsors to deliver data products and

Qualifications

• Past success in data analytics/manipulation.
• Solid foundation in statistical signal processing (spectral analysis, filtering, detection and estimation).
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop signal processing algorithms - Design, implement, and validate algorithms for deployment on neuromorphic chips.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems and integrate expertise.
• Research new approaches and evaluate techniques for difficult signal processing problems.
• Execute analyses to assess algorithm performance with radar and simulated data.
• Deliver results and transition findings to sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Data analytics

Signal processing

Python

C++

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Git

Jira

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

We are seeking motivated and experienced Systems Research and Development Engineers to join the Materials Science and Applications Department (MSAD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. MSAD tackles multidisciplinary topics, from signal processing to machine learning to software design, with a focus on radar systems. Our department's goal is to leverage cutting edge computing techniques to radar-based signals, performing training, rendering, and processing to generate data products and tools that support our military sponsors and our national defense. In this role, you will work closely with senior subject matter experts to develop, analyze, and transition signal processing algorithms. You will bring your own technical expertise and expand your knowledge of national defense systems.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and encourages transitioning service members to apply.

You will:

• Develop signal processing algorithms - Design, implement, and validate algorithms to be deployed on neuromorphic chips
• Collaborate with subject matter experts - Work with senior engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems, refine approaches, and integrate expertise from many disciplines
• Research new approaches - Investigate and evaluate new techniques when solving difficult or novel signal processing problems
• Execute analyses - Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches using radar and simulated data
• Understand how currently deployed systems are acting, to then develop capabilities to enhance the system's capabilities
• Deliver and transition results - Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers both within ARL and at external sponsors
• Contribute to technical documentation - Help write technical memos, reports, white papers, and study plans

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Working independently on moderately complex assignments, reviewing progress, and evaluating results
• Leading defined tasks or technical areas within larger projects
• Developing new techniques and analysis approaches, and presenting results to sponsors
• Training and providing technical guidance to junior engineers, and reviewing their work
• Monitoring and tracking task budgets and funding
• Contributing technical content to proposals and publications

Required skills/experience include:

• Past success working within data analytics/manipulation
• Solid foundation in statistical signal processing, including spectral analysis, filtering, and detection and estimation theory
• Python or C++
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field
• Basic machine learning algorithms, and how to apply such algorithms to radar-based datasets
• Synthetic Aperture Radar and how its data can be leveraged for analysis purposes
• Manipulating data utilizing higher-level coding languages, along with their built-in packages
• Version control and project-tracking tools such as Git and Jira
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 wi