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• 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

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations

We are seeking motivated and experienced Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join the Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. SADM tackles multidisciplinary topics, from signal processing to machine learning to software design, with a focus on sonar systems. Our department's goal is to leverage acoustic physics and all available data to generate data products and tools that support our military sponsors and our national defense. In this role, you will work closely with senior subject matter experts to develop, analyze, and transition sonar and array signal processing algorithms. You will bring your own technical expertise and expand your knowledge of undersea acoustics.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and encourages transitioning service members to apply.

You will:

• Develop signal processing algorithms – Design, implement, and validate active and passive sonar and array signal processing algorithms, including beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation
• Collaborate with subject matter experts – Work with senior engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems, refine approaches, and integrate expertise from many disciplines
• Research new approaches – Investigate and evaluate new techniques when solving difficult or novel signal processing problems
• Execute analyses – Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches using at-sea and simulated data
• Support field testing – Help plan data collections and provide in-person analysis and troubleshooting
• Deliver and transition results – Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers both within ARL and at external sponsors
Contribute to technical documentation – Help write technical memos, reports, white papers, and study plans

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Working independently on moderately complex assignments, reviewing progress, and evaluating results
• Leading defined tasks or technical areas within larger projects
• Developing new techniques and analysis approaches, and presenting results to sponsors
• Training and providing technical guidance to junior engineers, and reviewing their work
• Monitoring and tracking task budgets and funding
Contributing technical content to proposals and publications

Required skills/experience include:

• Past success working within sonar signal processing or in phased array signal processing in another field (e.g., radar, RF, seismic, or ultrasound)
• Solid foundation in statistical signal processing, including spectral analysis, filtering, and detection and estimation theory
• MATLAB, Python, or C++
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field
• Experience with phased array processing techniques, such as beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation
• Analyzing at-sea data
• Underwater acoustics, sound propagation, and environmental effects on sonar performance
• Technical publications, reports, or conference presentations
• Version control and project-tracking tools such as Git and Jira
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.

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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