Microwave Research and Development Engineer

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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.

We are seeking a Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join our Electromagnetic Effects and Applications team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Electromagnetic Effects and Applications (EMEA) department measures, analyzes, and evaluates Radio Frequency (RF) signatures of multiple platforms including undersea, maritime, land, and air. We provide comprehensive signature management solutions to support our customers' needs.

Intentional Electromagnetic Interfere (IEMI) and directed energy research core competencies are:

• Electromagnetic Test & Evaluation
• Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum profiling
• Electromagnetic Vulnerability (EMV) assessment
• Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI)
• Electromagnetic Cyber Attack (EMCA)

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

• Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal Investigator (PI)
• Provide technical knowledge within the laboratory, develop concepts, and oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics
• Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
• Possess knowledge of antenna concepts, parameters, and applications
• Contribute to solutions for the automation/control of RF instrumentation
• Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in-the-field measurements and experimentation
• Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges, anechoic chamber, and EMC chambers
• Assess and validate state‑of‑the‑art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
• Assist with field‑measurement setups and test plans
• Occasionally travel per sponsor and program requirements

Additional responsibilities of higher‑level positions include:

• Develop program management plans from the technical perspective and develop technical documents that satisfy stakeholder's requirements and expectations
• Lead engineers in day‑to‑day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables. Develop and present project/program status reports
• Provide technical leadership within the laboratory in RF Microwave research
• Facilitate relationships across the DoD and the IC with a focus on moving technologies from fundamental research to applied solutions
• Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state‑of‑the‑art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base

• RF/microwave instrumentation to include: network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, and RF materials characterization
• In‑the‑lab and in‑the‑field troubleshooting of RF systems
• Radar systems and hardware
• MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Excellent report writing capability
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea‑based operations
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as: CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd
• Established understanding and expertise in RF/microwave measurement instrumentation

• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance

This position will fully on‑site in State College, PA.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or…