Research and Development Image Scientist

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 116,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks an Image Scientist to join the Image Science and Computer Vision team in State College, PA. You will design, build, test, and integrate imaging solutions for defense, security, and geospatial applications.

The role emphasizes leadership in research projects, strong communication, and collaboration with a diverse engineering team. On-site with hybrid options based on project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience if Senior Professional.
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience if Advanced Professional.
• Must meet required certifications and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs and work with a collaborative team.
• Support scientific research projects by summarizing current research materials.
• Model the imaging chain for EO/SAR modalities across applications.
• Apply scientific methods to engineering and geospatial problems.
• Capture information from geospatial data to understand world events.
• Develop, mentor, and guide small-to-medium research efforts.

Skills

Imaging systems modeling

Research leadership

Communication skills

Experiment design

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Master’s degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

We are seeking an Image Scientist to join our Image Science and Computer Vision team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This team advances the state-of-the‑art in image processing, computer vision, and computational imaging. You will work with a diverse engineering team to design, build, test, and/or integrate solutions to problems in the area of defense, law enforcement, security, disaster relief, human geography, disaster preparedness, and first response.

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

You will:

• Lead programs and be part of a highly collaborative team
• Support scientific research projects by summarizing current research and application materials Model the imaging chain for many sensing modalities and platforms across a wide array of applications
• Apply the scientific method across multiple disciplines to engineering and geospatial sciences and develop system analytics through organized experimentation
• Develop the ability to discover and capture information from geospatial data to better represent the most advanced understanding of world events, systems, and discrete entities
• Grow career and capabilities, Plan and conduct applied research, provide technical guidance, report results, foster trusted relationships with sponsors, lead small-to-medium research efforts, and advise on new and evolving technology and techniques
• Engage in research efforts ranging from proof‑of‑concept through integrated production systems.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Subject matter expertise in modeling imaging systems and the image formation process in EO and/or SAR
• Support of imaging system research and development programs, and demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Independent research and high‑quality documentation of findings to communicate to a diverse team
• Design of experiments, analysis, and design or apply meaningful metrics to measure results
• Execution of specific research projects and meet task deadlines and goals
• Excellent communication skills Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study
• Writing and executing scripts in Python, R, Java, MATLAB, or some other broadly accessible language
• Support of DoD/IC research programs

Your work location will 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

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 web site 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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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 $115,860.00 - $202,464.00.

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.

• 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.

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