Part-Time Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks motivated Systems Research and Development Engineers to advance signal processing for radar-based data products. On-site in State College, PA with occasional travel to remote locations, joining the MSAD team to push cutting-edge computing techniques for defense applications.

You will develop and validate signal processing algorithms, collaborate with engineers and military personnel, and research new techniques using

Qualifications

• Experience with data analytics/manipulation.
• Strong foundation in statistical signal processing, including spectral analysis, filtering, and detection/estimation theory.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop signal processing algorithms – design, implement, and validate algorithms to be deployed on neuromorphic chips.
• Collaborate with senior engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems and integrate expertise from multiple disciplines.
• Research new approaches and evaluate techniques for solving complex signal processing problems.
• Execute analyses to evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and feasibility using radar and simulated data.
• Understand deployed systems to develop capabilities that enhance system performance.
• Deliver and transition results – communicate findings to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers.
• Contribute to technical documentation – memos, reports, white papers, and study plans.
• For higher-level roles: lead defined tasks, develop new techniques, train juniors, monitor budgets, contribute to proposals.

Skills

Python

C++

Data analytics

Signal processing

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

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 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.

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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