Quantum & Multiphysics R&D Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA seeks an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer to advance quantum and sensing technologies in national security missions. This on-site role focuses on numerical simulations (primarily electromagnetic) and multi-physics modeling, with literature reviews to inform sponsor decisions.

You will write scripts, produce plots, create reports, and may participate in hands-on optics experiments; a

Qualifications

• Ability to learn numerical simulation software and apply it to electromagnetic and multi-physics problems.
• Strong background in electromagnetics or related field.
• Experience writing white papers or technical reports.
• Ability to perform broad research and summarize findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Use CST to run electromagnetic and multi-physics simulations for sensors and devices.
• Assess topics of interest for government sponsors and review current market options.
• Tackle diverse topics across physics, including niche areas like X-ray physics as needed.
• Conduct hands-on optical experiments when required.
• Write scripts to generate plots and process data.
• Prepare reports or slides summarizing results.

Skills

Numerical simulation

Electromagnetics

Technical writing

Research synthesis

Tools

CST

Python

MATLAB

Job description

We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer to join the Quantum Research Department within the Multimodal Spectrum and Sensing Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department advances cutting‑edge sensing technologies in both the quantum and classical regimes in order to support critical national security missions. This role will perform numerical simulations (primarily electromagnetic but also multi‑physics modeling) while conducting technical assessments and literature reviews of emerging classical and quantum sensor technologies to inform strategic decision‑making for our government sponsors.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Utilize numerical simulation software (mainly CST) to perform simulations. These simulations will mostly be electromagnetic in nature but sometimes multi‑physics such as electromagnetic + thermal + fluid flow. The simulations are mostly in the realm of sensors and devices
• Perform assessment work on various topics of interest to our government sponsors in the realm of sensors. This will include literature analysis and review of current market options
• Work on a wider variety of topics that span different domains of physics, sometimes more niche (such as X‑ray physics) depending on sponsor interests
• Sometimes perform hands‑on experimental work in optics
• Write script to generate plots and process data
• Write reports or create slides summarizing results

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Numerical simulation software, or at the very least, possess the capability and drive to learn this software
• Electromagnetics
• Past success in writing white papers or reports
• Ability to perform broad research on a topic of interest and summarize findings

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Hands on experimentation experience
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as MATLAB or Python
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA but options exist for hybrid of on‑site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.