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RF and Signal Processing Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/28/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/28/2026
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 motivated and talented engineers to join our Command, Control, and Communications Innocations team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will be working with senior technical staff to research, design, develop, integrate, and test advanced wireless RF communications systems.

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

You will:

  • Create Algorithms and/or software design
  • 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 as appropriate
  • Evaluate/develop communication security protocols

Additional responsibilities of higher level positions include:

  • Devise, plan, and lead work on extremely complex communications problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products of technologies
  • Propose and lead new communications initiatives and guide programs of national significance
  • As a recognized communications leader by sponsors and the technical community, present papers, lead symposia and chair committees

Experience with the following is required:

  • Computer Networking
  • Communications protocols
  • OSI stack,UDP/TCP/IP
  • Familiarity with wireless specifications such as cellular(4G/5G)/WiFi (802.11)

Preferred Experience includes:

  • Software design
  • Signal Processing
  • FPGA development
  • 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
  • Evaluate/develop communication security protocols
  • MATLAB/LabVIEW modeling and simulation
  • RF principles
  • Embedded software/hardware
  • Wireless/cyber security
  • C-Language programming

This position can be located in State College, PA, Annapolis Junction, MD, or Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required 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 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 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 $76,700.00 - $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.

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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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