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R&D Engineer – Autonomous Systems

Job in State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania, 16801, USA
Listing for: Penn State University
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-09-03
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Robotics, AI Engineer (Applied/Software)
Job Description & How to Apply Below

Autonomous Systems R&D Engineer

We are searching for an Autonomous Systems R&D Engineer to join the Tactical & Autonomous Processing Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies (GCT) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This Department's mission is to develop, analyze, and deliver tactical processing capabilities for the autonomous, intelligent control of undersea systems, and research new capabilities and designs for future autonomous systems.

This department serves as a leading resource for the undersea systems community in situational awareness, guidance and control, and autonomous decision-making.

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

You will:

  • Design algorithms for vehicle guidance and control in an undersea environment, including signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and autonomous decision-making
  • Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance
  • Design, implement, integrate, and test software to demonstrate guidance and control algorithms
  • Collaborate and communicate with a team of peers
  • Document work through reports and presentations
  • Plan and execute programs advancing autonomous capabilities for current and future applications

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of guidance and control systems
  • Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Algorithm development and analysis spanning data fusion, object tracking and classification, and/or autonomous decision-making
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through successful proposal writing, project reports and/or presentations, and team projects.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to represent ongoing programs with sponsors and support test events

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Data Science
  • Proven ability to advance autonomy concepts from research to application through design, integration, and test phases.
  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams for development and implementation of guidance and control capabilities.
  • Object-oriented software design using MATLAB, Python, and/or C++
  • 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

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:

  • Bachelor's Degree
    - Engineering or Science
  • 19+ years of relevant experience
  • Required

    Certifications:

    None

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

  • Bachelor's Degree
    - Engineering or Science
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Required

    Certifications:

    None

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

  • Bachelor's Degree
    - Engineering or Science
  • 14+ years of relevant experience
  • Required

    Certifications:

    None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website .psu.edu.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $ - $.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .

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