New

RF Research Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 04, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking an experienced Research and Development Engineer to manage complex RF and Electromagnetic Analyses, Antenna Design and Construction, and Sensor System Development in our Antenna and Electromagnetics Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The successful candidate will contribute to customers' strategic objectives, mentor staff, and develop relationships to seek funding from potential donors. The primary research focus is the development of RF sensor systems ELF to millimeter wave. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Plan and direct research for multiple large RF sensor development projects involving antenna design, computational electromagnetics, RF propagation analysis, and system design Supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers, and technicians Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving RF sensor development, RF and electromagnetic analysis tools, definition of scope, and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches Devise plans and lead work on extremely complex RF sensor design and RF and electromagnetic analysis problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies Maintain liaison with likeminded research colleagues and units within and outside department, division, and office, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to RF sensor design and RF and electromagnetic analyses Propose and lead new RF sensor design initiatives Guide programs of national or international significance by identifying future problems and researching trends and opportunities Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; evaluate proposed or ongoing projects Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation Present papers, lead symposia, and chair committees; participate on advisory/policy boards, journals, and societies Participate and contribute to the strategic plan of the unit Supervise subordinate supervisors or team leaders Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills Document data/findings in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance RF sensor design capabilities Use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities Understand broad strategic objectives and applications of RF sensor design and RF/electromagnetic analysis and contribute, nurture, and maintain relationships with major sponsors of external research and develop grant funding Research and identify follow-on research projects and/or initiate new project concepts, develop technical proposals, and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors for funding Required Skills/Experience areas include: RF sensor design, RF and electromagnetic analysis tools, computational electromagnetics, and implementation of new and established techniques Application of new methods to solve specific problems Leading a research and development team Presenting in front of large groups of senior level professionals; conveying information to drive action or decision Developing technical proposals, writing whitepapers, etc. Fluency in various scientific programming languages including MATLAB, Python, C++, and FORTRAN Demonstrated ability to lead the development of projects using the aforementioned languages Proven ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: RF sensor development and RF and electromagnetic analysis Ability to learn new RF sensor development/design and RF and electromagnetic analyses methods Active government security clearance Your work location will be on-site located in State College, PA. but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience 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 website atwww.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 topossess 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 $141,700.00 - $219,600.00.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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