Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA, seeks Signal Processing R&D Engineers to develop and transition sonar and array processing algorithms. The role spans data analysis, algorithm development, and collaboration with military sponsors.

ARL is a DoD SkillBridge partner encouraging transitioning service members to apply. Responsibilities include designing beamforming and DOA estimation methods, performing analyses on sea and simulated data, and delivering

Qualifications

• Past success in sonar or phased array signal processing
• Strong foundation in statistical signal processing
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or C++

Responsibilities

• Develop signal processing algorithms for active and passive sonar and array processing, including beamforming and DOA estimation
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems and refine approaches
• Research new techniques and evaluate algorithm performance using at-sea and simulated data
• Execute analyses to assess data quality and feasibility of new approaches
• Support field testing and data collection planning; provide in-person analysis and troubleshooting
• Deliver results and communicate findings to stakeholders and software engineers
• Contribute to technical memos, reports, and study plans
• Mentor junior engineers and review their work (higher-level role)
• Monitor task budgets and funding; contribute to proposals and publications

Skills

Sonar signal processing

Phased array processing

Statistical signal processing

MATLAB

Python

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Git

Jira

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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

We are seeking motivated and experienced 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. In this role, you will work closely with senior subject matter experts to develop, analyze, and transition sonar and array signal processing algorithms. You will bring your own technical expertise and expand your knowledge of undersea acoustics.

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

You will:

• Develop signal processing algorithms - Design, implement, and validate active and passive sonar and array signal processing algorithms, including beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation
• Collaborate with subject matter experts - Work with senior engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems, refine approaches, and integrate expertise from many disciplines
• Research new approaches - Investigate and evaluate new techniques when solving difficult or novel signal processing problems
• Execute analyses - Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches using at-sea and simulated data
• Support field testing - Help plan data collections and provide 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
• Contribute to technical documentation - Help write technical memos, reports, white papers, and study plans

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Working independently on moderately complex assignments, reviewing progress, and evaluating results
• Leading defined tasks or technical areas within larger projects
• Developing new techniques and analysis approaches, and presenting results to sponsors
• Training and providing technical guidance to junior engineers, and reviewing their work
• Monitoring and tracking task budgets and funding
• Contributing technical content to proposals and publications

Required skills/experience include:

• Past success working within sonar signal processing or in phased array signal processing in another field (e.g., radar, RF, seismic, or ultrasound)
• Solid foundation in statistical signal processing, including spectral analysis, filtering, and detection and estimation theory
• MATLAB, Python, or C++
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field
• Experience with phased array processing techniques, such as beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation
• Analyzing at-sea data
• Underwater acoustics, sound propagation, and environmental effects on sonar performance
• Technical publications, reports, or conference presentations
• Version control and project-tracking tools such as Git and Jira
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• If filled as R&D Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
  • 14+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
  • 5+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal