Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer. The role involves collaborating with experts to develop, validate, and analyze algorithms for sensor systems, supporting field testing, and communicating results to stakeholders for the Navy and Department of Defense. Candidates will also contribute to publications and lead tasks depending on experience level.

Highlights

Design, write, and validate prototype signal processing algorithms for analyses and data product generation.
Work with a multidisciplinary team including engineers, scientists, and DoD personnel to approach complex problems.
Perform algorithm performance evaluations, data quality assessments, and innovative method feasibility studies.
Support field testing through remote or in-person troubleshooting and analysis.
Communicate results clearly to laboratory staff, software engineers, and external sponsors.
Preferred skills: C/C++ coding for hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C), Software Defined Radio (SDR) integration, MATLAB/LabVIEW modeling, RF and acoustic principles, embedded systems, wireless/cyber security, and use of GIT and JIRA.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years experience for Advanced Professional or 14+ years for Senior Professional roles.
Must be currently eligible for or able to obtain Secret or higher government security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
Position is fully on-site in State College, PA with periodic travel for meetings and field testing.
Salary range: $109,300 to $191,000 with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. 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, please login 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 the application process for external applicants.

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join our Applied Signals & Systems Integration (ASSI) 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). 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:

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 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 skills for presentations and writing papers, proposals and documents

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Develop C/C++ or equivalent code to interface with developed hardware and associated interfaces (SPI, I2C, etc)
Integration of Software Defined Radio (SDR) hardware/software components
MATLAB/LabVIEW modeling and simulation
RF principles
Acoustic principles
Embedded software/hardware
Wireless/cyber security
Knowledge of project and version control systems such as GIT and JIRA
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. Periodic travel may also be required for attendance at program meetings and/or in support of field testing or exercises.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ 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).

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 $109,300.00 - $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.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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Original Job Description