Quantum & Multiphysics Research & Development Engineer

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and

sick time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an analytical and detail-oriented Research and Development Engineer for the Quantum Research Department at the ARL. The role focuses on numerical simulations (electromagnetic and multi-physics) and technical assessments to support national security missions.

The candidate will engage in literature reviews, sponsor-focused analyses, and occasionally hands-on optics experiments, while developing plots and data-driven summaries for reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Experience with numerical simulations and the ability to learn software/tools as needed.
• Strong fundamentals in electromagnetics and related theories.
• Proven track record of writing technical white papers or reports.
• Ability to perform broad research and summarize findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform numerical simulations (primarily electromagnetic, multi-physics as needed) and script plotting for results.
• Assess topics of interest to sponsors, including literature reviews and market option analyses.
• Work across physics domains, potentially including X-ray physics, depending on sponsor needs.
• Assist with experimental work in optics and contribute to technical reports and slide decks.

Skills

Numerical simulation software

Electromagnetics

White papers/reports

Broad research synthesis

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

## Quantum & Multiphysics Research & Development EngineerApplylocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000080913# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.### **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 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 requiredYour 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. **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None### **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 $92,100.00 - $152,004.00. 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.