Demo

Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/15/2026
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 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 anddata 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 - 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 - $129,500.00.**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

Copyright Information

Hotlines


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.

 

Salary : $76,700 - $129,500

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$113,077 - $147,784
Income Estimation: 
$135,356 - $164,911
Income Estimation: 
$153,902 - $198,246
Income Estimation: 
$105,809 - $128,724
Income Estimation: 
$136,611 - $163,397
Income Estimation: 
$135,163 - $163,519
Income Estimation: 
$131,953 - $159,624
Income Estimation: 
$150,859 - $181,127
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The Pennsylvania State University

  • The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 9 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer jobs in the University Park, PA area that may be a better fit.

  • Jobs via Dice State College, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • Penn State State College, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!