Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 76,700 - 129,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

A leading research laboratory is seeking a Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer to work on innovative solutions supporting the Navy and DoD. This full-time, on-site position in State College, PA offers a competitive salary range of $76,700 to $129,500, along with a robust benefits package including tuition discounts. Ideal candidates will have strong computing skills and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate position.
• No prior relevant work experience required for Professional position.

Responsibilities

• Work with experts to understand problems.
• Design, write, and validate algorithms.
• Evaluate algorithm performance and data quality.
• Support field testing and troubleshooting.
• Communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of C++, MATLAB, R, or Python

Creativity in problem solving

Strong communication and presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Google Earth

ArcGIS

GIT

JIRA

Job description

Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

Join to apply for the Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University.

Application Instructions

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Position specifics

We are searching for motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join our Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy and the Department of Defense (DoD). SADM tackles multidisciplinary topics from signal processing to machine learning to software design with a focus on sonar systems. The goal of our group is to leverage all of the available acoustic physics to generate data products and tools that support our DoD customers and our national defense. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will

• Aggregate Subject Matter Expertise – Work with a diverse group of experts, including engineers, scientists, and DoD 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 – to include evaluation of algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches.
• Support field testing – to include remote or in person analysis and troubleshooting.
• Deliver/Transition results – Clearly communicate results to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors.

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include

• Contributing to publications, white papers, technical memos, and/or study plans.
• Performing larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and leading small tasks.

Required skills/experience areas include

• Knowledge of computing languages or frameworks for scientific/engineering analysis such as C++, MATLAB, R, or Python.
• Creativity in problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad array of information from a diversity of fields.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• Experience with commercial GIS tools such as Google Earth or ArcGIS.
• Familiarity with GIS related concepts in mapping and data visualization.
• Knowledge of project and version control systems such as GIT and JIRA.
• Familiarity with undersea systems and sonar technology.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher. Candidate may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; 2+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None. If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; No prior relevant work experience required; Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $129,500.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. 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.

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.