Penn State University

Engineering Technologist, Electrical

Penn State University • $80K — $152K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
  • Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems (including troubleshooting)
  • Proficiency in programming languages: C, C++, or Python
  • Familiarity with Linux operating systems (configuration and command line)
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance up to TS/SCI

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design, fabrication, and integration of electrical hardware and RF system setups
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot software for hardware testing and automation
  • Perform hands-on assembly, configuration, and testing of hardware/software systems
  • Support system integration, testing, and evaluation activities; document findings
  • Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems
  • Maintain lab equipment and support the procurement of necessary tools
  • Interact with engineers, researchers, and sponsors in a collaborative environment

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick days
  • 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
Full Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for a experienced Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Level to join our Trusted Systems Engineering Department (TSED) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 

You will support the design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware and software systems in support of trusted systems research and development. The selected candidate will work hands-on with electrical hardware, RF systems, and embedded software to build, integrate, and evaluate prototype and pre-production systems in a research environment.

This position will interact with engineers, researchers, and sponsors, spending the majority of time working at a PSU/ARL facility located in State College, PA.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Assist in the design, fabrication, and integration of electrical hardware and RF system test setups/fixtures
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot software (C, C++, Python) supporting hardware test, automation, and data collection
  • Perform hands-on assembly, wiring, configuration, and bench-level testing of hardware/software systems
  • Support system integration, test, and evaluation activities in lab and field environments; document results
  • Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems and test environments
  • Maintain lab equipment, inventory, and configuration records; support procurement of parts/tools as needed

Required Skill/Experience include:

  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or related technical field (or equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience)
  • Working knowledge of electrical hardware and RF systems (e.g., signal generation, RF test equipment, circuit-level troubleshooting)
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C, C++, and/or Python
  • Familiarity with Linux operating systems (configuration, command line, basic administration)
  • Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance up to TS/SCI

Preferred Skills/Experience include:

  • Experience with embedded systems or hardware/software co-design
  • Experience with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
  • Prior DoD/IC laboratory, systems integration, or trusted systems experience
  • Active security clearance (Secret or higher)
  • Experience with scripting/automation for test and data collection

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 web site at www.arl.psu.edu

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $80,100.00 - $152,004.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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