Penn State University

Navigation Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University$123K — $191K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science.
  • 14+ years of relevant experience in R&D projects.
  • Proven leadership of cross-functional teams in R&D settings.
  • Extensive experience with MATLAB or similar programming languages.
  • Deep expertise in precision navigation systems including sensor fusion techniques.
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team in designing algorithms for navigation systems in undersea environments.
  • Perform navigation modeling and simulation to aid trade studies.
  • Analyze multi-sensor data for system performance evaluation.
  • Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and stakeholders on projects.
  • Prepare and present research papers and technical presentations.
  • Investigate navigation theories and their practical applications.
  • Manage program resources and develop program plans.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans.
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
  • Supportive work environment for both personal and professional growth.
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Navigation Research and Development Engineer to join our Strategic Navigation team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State and located in our Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD) in Warminster, PA. NRDD is focused on developing the most advanced navigation technologies in the world, built around unique laboratories specially designed to test the most precise navigation sensors and systems. Our mission is to conduct new navigation technology research and development, systems engineering, and provide expert knowledge for our Navy, Army, and other U.S. government sponsors. As part of our team, you will research, develop, analyze, implement, and test new capabilities for current and future high accuracy navigation systems.

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

You will:
  • Lead a team of engineers in the design of algorithms and novel techniques for navigation systems for the undersea environment
  • Individually, and as a team, lead and perform navigation modeling and simulation (M&S) to support trade studies
  • Analyze multi-sensor data to evaluate system performance
  • Interact and collaborate regularly with a team of fellow engineers and scientists, program management, program sponsors, and stakeholders
  • Prepare research papers and make presentations related to work performed
  • Investigate and evaluate applicability of theories and practices to the development of navigation systems
  • Document work through reports and presentations
  • Regularly interact with program sponsors
  • Participate in strategic planning activities
  • Pursue new business development activities
  • Manage program resources
  • Develop program plans


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in R&D projects, including task delegation, progress tracking, and stakeholder management
  • Extensive experience in using MATLAB (or other programming languages) for design, modeling, and simulation of complex systems
  • Deep expertise in precision navigation systems, including, inertial navigation, geophysical, GPS, or other sensor fusion techniques
  • Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) projects, including familiarity with defense acquisition process and standards
  • Knowledge of signal processing, sensor integration, and real-time data analysis for navigation applications
  • Experience in mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative work environment
  • Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and sponsors
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills for documentation, proposals, and reports


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Navigation Theory
  • State Space Estimation and Control Theory
  • Stochastic Processes Theory
  • Data Fusion Filter Design
  • Geophysical and earth sciences
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering


Your working location will be full-time on-site, located at the Navigation Research & Development Center (NRDC) in Warminster, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require travel to support project meetings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

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 $123,200.00 - $191,000.00.**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.

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