R&D Engineer – Autonomous Systems

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 122,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University seeks an Autonomous Systems R&D Engineer to join the Tactical & Autonomous Processing Department in the GCT Division. You will design guidance and control algorithms for undersea platforms, analyze multi-sensor data, and develop software to demonstrate autonomous capabilities on evolving testbeds.

This on-site role at State College, PA requires collaboration across disciplines, strong communication, and a track record 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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Algorithm development

Data fusion

Autonomous decision-making

Written and oral communication

Travel willingness

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.