Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 20, 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 a 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: Lead the design, implementation, and validation of algorithms for use in analyses anddata product generation Include evaluation of algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches Serve as a senior member within a diverse group of experts, including engineers, scientists, and DoD personnel to understand problems from many perspectives Support field testing to include remote or in person analysis and troubleshooting Support training to include remote or in person training sessions with DoD personnel Clearly communicate results to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors Provide technical guidance of mid and early career faculty and staff and work within Penn State and other research groups to build collaborative relationships Additional responsibilities for higher level position include: Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes Initiate or contribute to business development activities (i.e. white papers, proposals, etc.) May supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students Required skills/experience areas include: Prototyping computing languages for such as MATLAB or Python Implementing advanced phased array signal processing techniques with an emphasis on sensor trajectory estimation or synthetic aperture image reconstruction techniques 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: 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 may be remote or on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ 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 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 $123,200.00 - $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. 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