RF Research and Development Engineer

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 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 Skill Bridge 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.

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