RF Microwave Research and Development Engineer

RF Microwave Research and Development Engineer

Join to apply for the RF Microwave Research and Development Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

We are seeking a RF Microwave Research and Development Engineer to join our Spectrum and Signature Solutions team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our mission is to “Understand, shape, and exploit the electromagnetic environment for the Warfighter’s advantage. Develop strategic & operational advantages for the warfighter, and defend national interests across the vehicle domain.”

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

• Oversee sensitive research and development as a Principal Investigator (PI) in applied electromagnetics.
• Provide technical knowledge within the laboratory, develop concepts, and oversee sensitive research and development.
• Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations.
• Contribute to solutions for the automation/control of RF instrumentation.
• Conduct RF/microwave lab-based and in‑field measurements and experimentation.
• Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges, anechoic chambers, and EMC chambers.
• Assess and validate state‑of‑the‑art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base.
• Assist with field‑measurement setups and test plans.
• Occasional travel per sponsor and program requirements.

• Develop program management plans from the technical perspective and produce technical documents that satisfy stakeholder requirements and expectations.
• Lead engineers in day‑to‑day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables and develop and present project/program status reports.
• Provide technical leadership within the laboratory in RF Microwave research.
• Facilitate relationships across the DoD and the IC with a focus on moving technologies from fundamental research to applied solutions.
• Serve as Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state‑of‑the‑art RF systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base.

• Possess an active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance.
• Experience with RF/microwave instrumentation: network analysis, spectrum analysis, antenna measurements, and RF materials characterization.
• Experience troubleshooting RF systems in‑the‑lab and in‑the‑field.
• Familiarity with radar systems and hardware.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent report‑writing capability.
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea‑based operations.
• Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd.
• Established understanding and expertise in RF/microwave measurement instrumentation.

Minimum:
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus 5 years related experience. Higher‑level positions require additional education and/or experience.

Must be a U.S. citizen and subject to a government security investigation. Employment requires successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen and background checks in accordance with University policies.

$ – $ (depending on grade and geographic differential)

University Park, PA

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 814‑865‑1473.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Research

Government Administration