Quantum & Multiphysics Research & Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 92,100 - 200,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks a Research and Development Engineer to advance quantum and classical sensing technologies. The role emphasizes numerical simulations (CST), literature reviews, and technical assessments to inform government sponsors.

ARL welcomes transitioning military members and offers opportunities to work onsite in State College, with hybrid options depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with numerical simulation tools or proven ability to learn quickly.
• Strong background in electromagnetics and related physics.
• Experience writing technical white papers or formal reports.
• Ability to perform broad literature reviews and summarize findings.

Responsibilities

• Run and interpret simulations using CST, primarily electromagnetic with some multi-physics.
• Assess topics for government sponsors through literature analysis and market reviews.
• Explore diverse physics topics (e.g., X-ray) per project needs.
• Occasionally perform hands-on experiments in optics and data plotting; scripts for visualization.

Skills

Numerical simulation software

Electromagnetics

White papers/Reports

Literature review & synthesis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science (5+ years)

Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science (2+ years)

Tools

CST Software

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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, including 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 scripts to generate plots and process data.
• Write reports or create slides summarizing results.

Required Skills & Experience

• 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

• 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.

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 Science (5+ years of relevant experience).
• Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science (2+ years of relevant experience). (Applicable to Intermediate Professional level.)

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.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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–$200,808.00.

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.

EEO Statement

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.