Communications and Signal Processing 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 searching for a proactive, technically strong Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to join the C3I Integrated Communications Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our division develops advanced communications technologies that support mission-critical needs across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

In this role, you will support research, development, analysis, and prototyping of resilient communications and signal processing systems that directly contribute to national security and sponsor mission success. ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

Develop, test, and evaluate advanced signal processing algorithms and communication techniques

Model and simulate communication system physical layer (PHY) protocols and waveforms

Prototype communication capabilities using software defined radios (SDRs) and open source tools

Contribute to waveform, modulation, and algorithm design for challenging channel environments

Perform system level analysis, theoretical evaluation, and performance assessments

Document findings, prepare recommendations, and present results to sponsors

Participate in field tests, demonstrations, and stakeholder engagements

Collaborate with multi disciplinary teams across ARL and with government sponsors

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

Leading technical tasks or project components

Conducting feasibility studies and shaping program direction

Providing technical mentorship to junior staff or students

Contributing to division level research strategies and initiatives

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

Technical background in communications and signal processing (e.g., waveform design, detection/estimation, protocol development, or channel modeling)
Simulation or analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary, team oriented environments

Express technical ideas clearly through written and oral communication

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher, and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related fieldSDR development, laboratory or field testing, or data analysis

Programming experience in Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages

Wireless, underwater, satellite, or optical communication systems

Communications security, AI/ML for communications, or network protocol development

This position will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, Reston, VA or Annapolis Junction, MD, though options may exist for a hybrid on-site/work from home arrangement based on project needs. Questions related to flexible work should be directed…