RF Research and Development Engineer

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount (75%)

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University seeks an entry-level Research and Development Engineer to join the Antennas, Computational Electromagnetics, and Propagation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University. You will participate in RF propagation projects spanning from ELF to millimeter wave.

The role includes developing and testing propagation models, performing experiments, documenting results, and contributing to technical proposals with presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• No prior relevant work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement RF propagation models with environmental factors.
• Develop novel propagation techniques and mathematical derivations.
• Conduct RF propagation experiments and test theoretical propositions.
• Document findings in technical reports and presentations.
• Improve modeling capabilities and contribute to proposals.

Skills

RF Propagation

Mathematical methods

Scientific programming languages

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Matlab

Python

C++

FORTRAN

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking an entry level Research and Development Engineer to join the Antennas, Computational Electromagnetics, and Propagation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University. You will participate in the solving of complex RF Propagation projects. The primary research focus is RF Propagation from ELF to millimeter wave.

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

You will:

• Use accepted methods and techniques, design, develop, and implement of RF propagation models including environmental effects such as space weather and meteorology. Also, you will use RF propagation models to analyze the effectiveness of engineering products, systems, and subsystems
• Develop novel techniques in RF propagation including new mathematical derivations of both electromagnetic phenomena and relevant environmental factors such as radio space weather and meteorology
• Conduct RF propagation experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; includes taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data
• Document data/findings in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
• Create opportunities to improve RF propagation modeling and analysis capability either extending existing capability, developing new methods, or diversifying into new applications
• Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance RF propagation modeling and analysis capabilities; use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities
• Learn broad strategic objectives and applications of RF propagation modeling analysis, develop relationships with major sponsors of external research, and develop grant funding
• Research and identify follow‑on research projects and/or initiate new project concepts; contribute to technical proposals; and make presentations to customers.

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• RF Propagation mathematical methods, implementation of new and established methods, and application of methods to solve specific problems
• Demonstrated ability to document research findings in whitepapers and technical reports
• Implementation of scientific or technical solutions independently with guidance from mentors
• End to end design, implementation, and testing of technical and scientific solutions
• Effective at presenting in front of large groups of senior level professionals
• Opportunity to develop and write white papers
• Any software/experiences that ARE necessary to be offered the position/must be held by candidate: fluent in multiple various scientific programming languages from Matlab, Python, C++, and FORTRAN; proven ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Current active security clearance
• Ability to learn new programming languages and tools, mathematical techniques and numerical implementations
• A Masters' degree or PHD in Mathematics or Electrical Engineering

Your working location can be a hybrid of on‑site/work from home, on‑site location is State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Electronics (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 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.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory

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 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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