R&D Engineer – Autonomous Systems

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Autonomous Systems R&D Engineer to join the Tactical & Autonomous Processing Department within the GCT Division of the ARL. The role focuses on developing guidance and control algorithms for undersea systems, analyzing multi-sensor data, and integrating software for testing and validation on-site in State College, PA.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science and may advance through higher levels with 5–19+ years of

Qualifications

• Algorithm development and analysis spanning data fusion, object tracking and classification, and/or autonomous decision-making
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through successful proposals and reports
• Willingness and ability to travel to represent ongoing programs with sponsors and support test events

Responsibilities

• Design algorithms for vehicle guidance and control in an undersea environment
• Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance
• Design, implement, integrate, and test software to demonstrate guidance and control algorithms
• Collaborate and communicate with a team of peers
• Document work through reports and presentations
• Plan and execute programs advancing autonomous capabilities for current and future applications

Skills

Algorithm development

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for an Autonomous Systems R&D Engineer to join the Tactical & Autonomous Processing Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies (GCT) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This Department’s mission is to develop, analyze, and deliver tactical processing capabilities for the autonomous, intelligent control of undersea systems, and research new capabilities and designs for future autonomous systems. This department serves as a leading resource for the undersea systems community in situational awareness, guidance and control, and autonomous decision-making. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design algorithms for vehicle guidance and control in an undersea environment, including signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and autonomous decision-making
• Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance
• Design, implement, integrate, and test software to demonstrate guidance and control algorithms
• Collaborate and communicate with a team of peers
• Document work through reports and presentations
• Plan and execute programs advancing autonomous capabilities for current and future applications

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of guidance and control systems
• Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Algorithm development and analysis spanning data fusion, object tracking and classification, and/or autonomous decision-making
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through successful proposal writing, project reports and/or presentations, and team projects.
• Willingness and ability to travel to represent ongoing programs with sponsors and support test events

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Data Science
• Proven ability to advance autonomy concepts from research to application through design, integration, and test phases. Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams for development and implementation of guidance and control capabilities. Object-oriented software design using MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 19+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 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.

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world.

Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.

At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.