Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Your working location will be located fully on-site located in State College, PA. Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join the Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department.

The role focuses on advancing sonar-related data products and tools for national defense. Responsibilities include developing prototype algorithms, evaluating performance, and supporting field testing, with opportunities to contribute

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Required Certifications: None

Responsibilities

• Integrate subject matter expertise - Collaborate with a diverse group of engineers, scientists, and military personnel to understand problems from many perspectives
• Develop prototype algorithms - Design, write, and validate algorithms for use in analyses and data-product generation
• Execute analyses - Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches
• Support field testing - Provide remote or in-person analysis and troubleshooting
• Deliver and transition results - Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers both within ARL and at external sponsors

Skills

MATLAB

Python

R

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Git

Jira

Google Earth

Job description

Your working location will be located fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join the Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

SADM tackles multidisciplinary topics, from signal processing to machine learning to software design, with a focus on sonar systems.

Our department's goal is to leverage acoustic physics and all available data to generate data products and tools that support our military sponsors and our national defense.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and encourages transitioning service members to apply.

You will:

• Integrate subject matter expertise - Collaborate with a diverse group of engineers, scientists, and military personnel to understand problems from many perspectives
• Develop prototype algorithms - Design, write, and validate algorithms for use in analyses and data-product generation
• Execute analyses - Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches
• Support field testing - Provide remote or in-person analysis and troubleshooting
• Deliver and transition results - Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers both within ARL and at external sponsors

Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:

• Contributing to publications, white papers, technical memos, and study plans
• Performing larger tasks independently or as part of a team, and leading small efforts

Required skills/experience include:

• MATLAB, R, or Python
• Creative problem-solving skills combined with basic data analysis and signal processing skills
• Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad range of information from a variety of fields
• Self-motivation and eagerness to learn new technical areas
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Geographic information system (GIS) tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth, and familiarity with GIS-related mapping and data‑visualization concepts
• Version control and project‑tracking tools such as Git and Jira
• Undersea systems and sonar technology
• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

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

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

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• No prior relevant work experience required
• 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.

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 - $174,708.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a comp