Penn State University

Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University$92K — $174K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
  • 2+ years of relevant experience (for Intermediate position)
  • Familiarity with scientific computing languages like C++, MATLAB, R, or Python
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Creativity in problem solving

Responsibilities

  • Work with experts to analyze problems from multiple perspectives
  • Design, code, and validate prototype algorithms
  • Evaluate algorithm performance and assess data quality
  • Support field testing and troubleshooting efforts
  • Communicate results effectively to various stakeholders

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays and vacation
  • Substantial tuition discount of 75% for employees and eligible family members
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join our Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy and the Department of Defense (DoD). SADM tackles multidisciplinary topics from signal processing to machine learning to software design with a focus on sonar systems. The goal of our group is to leverage all of the available acoustic physics to generate data products and tools that support our DoD customers and our national defense.

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

You will:
  • Aggregate Subject Matter Expertise - Work with a diverse group of experts, including engineers, scientists, and DoD personnel to understand problems from many perspectives
  • Develop prototype algorithms - Design, write, and validate algorithms for use in analyses and data product generation
  • Execute analyses - to include evaluation of algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches
  • Support field testing - to include remote or in person analysis and troubleshooting
  • Deliver/Transition results - Clearly communicate results to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors


Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include:
  • Contributing to publications, white papers, technical memos, and/or study plans
  • Performing larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and leading small tasks


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Knowledge of computing languages or frameworks for scientific/engineering analysis such as C++, MATLAB, R, or Python
  • Creativity in problem solving
  • Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad array of information from a diversity of fields
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience with commercial GIS tools such as Google Earth or ArcGIS
  • Familiarity with GIS related concepts in mapping and data visualization
  • Knowledge of project and version control systems such as GIT and JIRA
  • Familiarity with undersea systems and sonar technology
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher. Candidate may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required


Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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.

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