Applied Electromagnetic​/RF Research and Development Engineer

Position Specifications

We are seeking an Applied Electromagnetic/RF Research and Development Engineer to join our Spectrum and Signature Solutions team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This division is invested in the spectrum convergence mission space. 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.

You will:

• Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal Investigator (PI)
• Provide technical knowledge within the laboratory, develop concepts, and oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics
• 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-the-field measurements and experimentation
• Facilitate measurements at outdoor test ranges, anechoic chamber, 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

Additional responsibilities of higher level positions may include:

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

Required knowledge/skills include:

• Hands on experience with RF/microwave instrumentation: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, antenna measurements, EMI/EMC measurements
• Hands on experience with in-the-lab and in-the-field troubleshooting of RF systems
• Familiarity with MATLAB and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Excellent report writing capabilities
• RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations
• Electromagnetic simulation tools such as: CST Microwave Studio or REMCOM XFdtd

Preferred knowledge/skills include:

• Familiarity radar systems and hardware
• Familiarity with antenna design, simulation, and prototyping
• Familiarity with RF/microwave materials characterization measurement and instrumentation
• Active DoD SECRET (or higher) clearance
• A Master’s degree or PhD

If filled as Research and Development Engineer
- Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience, Required

Certifications:

None. If filled as Research and Development Engineer
- Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience, Required

Certifications:

None. If filled as Research and Development Engineer
- Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience, Required

Certifications:

None.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the 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 with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.