R&D Engineer: RF Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,000 - 266,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks analytical RF engineers to design, test, and integrate advanced wireless RF systems. The role involves frequent travel to sponsor locations and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Partial on-site work in State College, PA with project-dependent hybrid options. ARL welcomes transitioning military members and offers security-clearance considerations.

Qualifications

• Experience with passive and active RF systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot, measure, and design RF systems.
• Knowledge of RF circuit implementation, test and analysis.
• Familiarity with EM and acoustic fundamentals across RF bands.
• Strong link-budget understanding and RF fundamentals.
• Experience converting analog to digital domains.
• Familiarity with software radio architectures and RF analytics.
• RF simulation using CST, XFdtd, ADS, Genesis, Spice.
• PCB layout for RF prototype design applications.
• Knowledge of phased arrays and antenna theory.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
• Capable of working in fast-paced, security-conscious environments.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, develop, and test advanced wireless RF systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, sponsors, and investigators.
• Provide updates on program status to stakeholders.
• Ensure on-time completion of project tasks.
• Travel to sponsor locations and contractor sites as needed.

Skills

RF systems

RF troubleshooting

RF measurements

RF design

RF circuit design

RF test

RF analysis

EM theory

Antenna theory

Phased arrays

Link budget

Analog-digital conversion

Nyquist sampling

Software radio

RF simulation

RF prototyping

Cross-discipline collaboration

Security clearance

Electrical Engineering degree

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CST

XFdtd

ADS

Genesis

Spice

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA, but options exist for limited hybrid of on-site/work from home, based on project-dependent ability. This role requires frequent travel to sponsor locations in the Beltway area and to contractor and second party locations within and outside the continental United States. Trip lengths may be up to 2 weeks in duration.

We are searching for analytical RF engineers to join the Strategic Systems Operation Division within the Information Advantage Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will collaborate with technical staff to research, design, develop, integrate, and test advanced wireless RF communications systems.

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

You will:

• Apply your expertise in RF to contribute to programs of national or international impact by identifying emerging challenges, research trends, and future opportunities
• Ensure technical excellence and on-time completion of all project tasks
• Develop and deliver clear updates on program status to Fleet-level personnel at both individual and community meetings
• Interact and collaborate regularly with the engineering team, principal investigator, sponsors, and other stakeholders
• Embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate while contributing as a key member of a multi-disciplinary engineering team

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Experience in the use and analysis of passive and active RF systems
• Experience with troubleshooting, measuring, and designing RF systems
• Knowledge in the areas of RF circuit implementation, design, test, and analysis
• Experience with electromagnetic and acoustic fundamentals in the areas of Acoustic, VLF, UHF, and microwave frequencies
• Agility with link budget theory and RF fundamentals
• Facility with conversions from analog to digital domains, or equivalent
• Awareness of Nyquist sampling zones and up-down block conversions
• Working experience with software radio architectures and RF sensitivity analytics
• RF simulation experience in analog and digital domains using tools such as CST, XFdtd, ADS, Genesis, Spice, etc.
• Familiarity with breadboard layout and evaluation required in PCB design supporting RF prototype design applications
• Knowledge of phased arrays and fundamental electromagnetic theory
• Understanding of antenna theory and measurements required for meeting RF systematic requirements
• Systematic troubleshooting of operating systems and input-output debugging
• Experience in field testing and major exercises supporting prototype transitional efforts
• Prior success collaborating with peers from other engineering disciplines to integrate systematic designs and modify RF circuitry to interface with software infrastructure
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated capacity to balance detail-oriented thinking while maintaining the ability to see the “big picture”

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• 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 to the TS/SCI level
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electronics (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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 $92,100.00 - $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. 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.

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