RF Research Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Research and Development Engineer to manage complex RF and Electromagnetic Analyses, Antenna Design and Construction, and Sensor System Development in our Antenna and Electromagnetics Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The successful candidate will contribute to customers’ strategic objectives, mentor staff, and develop relationships to seek funding from potential donors. The primary research focus is the development of RF sensor systems from ELF to millimeter wave.

• Plan and direct research for multiple large RF sensor development projects involving antenna design, computational electromagnetics, RF propagation analysis, and system design.
• Supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving RF sensor development, RF and electromagnetic analysis tools, definition of scope, and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches.
• Devise plans and lead work on extremely complex RF sensor design and RF and electromagnetic analysis problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologies.
• Maintain liaison with likeminded research colleagues and units within and outside the department, division, and office, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to RF sensor design and RF and electromagnetic analyses.
• Propose and lead new RF sensor design initiatives.
• Guide programs of national or international significance by identifying future problems and researching trends and opportunities.
• Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; evaluate proposed or ongoing projects.
• Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
• Present papers, lead symposia, and chair committees; participate on advisory/policy boards, journals, and societies.
• Participate and contribute to the strategic plan of the unit.
• Supervise subordinate supervisors or team leaders.
• Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills.
• Document data/findings in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations.
• Provide innovative problem‑solving approaches to enhance RF sensor design capabilities.
• Use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities.
• Understand broad strategic objectives and applications of RF sensor design and RF/electromagnetic analysis and contribute, nurture, and maintain relationships with major sponsors of external research and develop grant funding.
• Research and identify follow‑on research projects and/or initiate new project concepts, develop technical proposals, and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors for funding.

• RF sensor design, RF and electromagnetic analysis tools, computational electromagnetics, and implementation of new and established techniques.
• Application of new methods to solve specific problems.
• Leading a research and development team.
• Presenting in front of large groups of senior level professionals; conveying information to drive action or decision.
• Developing technical proposals, writing whitepapers, etc.
• Fluency in various scientific programming languages including MATLAB, Python, C++, and FORTRAN.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development of projects using the aforementioned languages.
• Proven ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations.

• RF sensor development and RF and electromagnetic analysis.
• Ability to learn new RF sensor development/design and RF and electromagnetic analyses methods.
• Active government security clearance.

Your work location will be on‑site in State College, PA. 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.