Penn State University

Hardware Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University$86K — $164K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant engineering experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
  • Proficiency in automated testing, measurement, and hardware design
  • Strong programming skills in MATLAB, LABVIEW, C/C++, or Python
  • Experience with mixed signal design and circuit simulation methodologies

Responsibilities

  • Lead project teams in hands-on hardware engineering
  • Manage technical aspects of R&D tasks effectively
  • Mentor and guide entry-level engineers
  • Engage actively in the sensor development lifecycle
  • Define system requirements and lead hardware/software architecture design
  • Design both analog and digital circuits and PCBs
  • Support the development of new projects and proposals

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Substantial 75% tuition discount for employees and their families
  • Support for personal and professional well-being through various programs
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for motivated and talented mid-level Hardware Engineer to join our Applied Signals & Systems Integration (ASSI) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ASSI tackles multidisciplinary topics from signal processing to machine learning to algorithm design with a focus on sensor systems.

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

You will:
  • Provide hands-on leadership of project teams
  • Provide technical management / leadership of research and development tasks
  • Mentor entry level engineers in sound engineering practices
  • Have an active role in the entire sensor development process
  • Participate in the specification of system requirements and hardware / software architecture design
  • Design analog and digital electronic circuits and circuit boards
  • Assist in the development of new projects and proposals
  • Collaborate with engineers across ARL to deliver complex sensor systems


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Automated testing and measurement, hardware calibration, hardware design, developing, and testing and integration
  • Programming in MATLAB, LABVIEW, C / C++, or Python
  • Mixed Signal Design
  • Analog to digital converters, and analog front-end design
  • Familiarization with circuit modeling and simulation methodologies


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
  • Schematic entry and PCB Layout using Altium Designer
  • Solidworks
  • Matlab, Labview, C, C++, and C#; design of DC-DC converters, AC motor drives, and control algorithms
  • Producing required technical documentation related to the design and building of complex systems
  • Modeling and simulation, software development, mechanical and power system design, test and evaluation of sensor systems
  • LINUX and Windows OS systems
  • Embedded systems to include FPGAs, microcontrollers, and similar entities
  • 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 on-site at our offices in State College, PA. Periodic travel may be required for attendance at program meetings and/or in support of field testing or exercises.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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.

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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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