RF Research Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Antennas, Computational Electromagnetics, Propagation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an experienced Research and Development Engineer to manage complex RF Propagation projects, contribute to customers' strategic objectives, mentor staff, and develop relationships to seek funding from potential donors. 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:

• Lead with the design, development, and implementation of RF propagation models including environmental effects such as space weather and meteorology. Lead teams using 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.

• Lead RF propagation experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on the basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; includes taking measurements, 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 by 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.

• Understand broad strategic objectives and applications of RF propagation modeling and 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.

Additional Responsibilities for the senior level include:

• Proven successful experience leading a research team.

• Ability to convey information to drive action or decision.

• Manage multiple and/or large RF Propagation and analysis projects.

• May chair sessions at technical meetings; give papers and/or presentations; participate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies, and committees.

• Mentor staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills.

• Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; evaluate proposed or ongoing projects.

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on your education and work experience. Minimum requirements include a Bachelors' degree in an Engineering or Science related discipline plus five years' related experience. Additional education and/or experience required for higher level positions. A Masters' degree or PhD in Mathematics or Electrical Engineering is preferred.

Required skills include:

• Experience in 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.

• Proven experience implementing scientific or technical solutions independently with guidance from mentors.

• Demonstrated understanding and experience with 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 scientific programming languages from Matlab, Python, C++, and FORTRAN; proven ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations.

Preferred skills include:

• Current active security clearance.

• Any specific…