Guidance and Control Engineer

Position Overview

The Guidance and Control Technologies Division in the Undersea Systems Office (USO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking entry-level Engineers to research, develop, analyze, implement, and test new capabilities for autonomous undersea systems. You will be part of one or more design teams whose primary function is to develop guidance and control systems for current and future autonomous undersea systems.

• 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

• Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of guidance and control systems
• Lead specific tasks within the project scope

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Data Science
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

• MATLAB, Python, C++
• Object‑oriented software design
• Vehicle autonomy
• Object tracking and classification
• Machine learning
• Intelligent control and fuzzy logic

Full on‑site location in State College, PA.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions require ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment also requires successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer
- Intermediate Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 2+ years of relevant experience. If filled as Research and Development Engineer
- Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with no prior relevant work experience.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

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. Employees receive a generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees and eligible spouses and children.

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 .