Senior RF Research Engineer

The Antennas and Electromagnetics Department of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an experienced Research and Development Engineer to manage complex RF Propagation projects, contribute to customers' strategic objectives, mentor staff, and develop relationships to seek funding from potential donors. The primary research focus is RF Propagation from ELF to millimeter wave.

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

You will:

• Manage multiple and/or large RF Propagation and analysis projects

• Using accepted methods and techniques, lead with the design, development, and implementation of RF propagation models including environmental effects such as space weather and meteorology. Additionally, the candidate will lead a teams using RF propagation models to analyze the effectiveness of engineering products, systems, and subsystems

• Develop novel techniques in RF propagation including new mathematical derivations of both electromagnetic phenomena and relevant environmental factors such as radio space weather and meteorology

• Lead RF propagation experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; includes taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data

• Document data/findings in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations

• Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; evaluate proposed or ongoing projects 

• Create opportunities to improve RF propagation modeling and analysis capability either extending existing capability, developing new methods, or diversifying into new applications

• Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance RF propagation modeling and analysis capabilities; use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities 

• Understand broad strategic objectives and applications of RF propagation modeling and 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

• May chair sessions at technical meetings; give papers and/or presentations; participate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies, and committees 

• Mentor staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills 

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree (Master's degree preferred) in an Engineering or Science discipline, plus 14+ years related experience.

Required skills include:

• Experience in RF Propagation mathematical methods, implementation of new and established methods, and application of methods to solve specific problems

• Proven successful experience leading a research team

• Effective at presenting in front of large groups of senior level professionals; conveying information to drive action or decision

• Past successful experience developing technical proposals, writing whitepapers, etc.

• Any software/experiences that ARE necessary to be offered the position/must be held by candidate: fluent in multiple various scientific programming languages from Matlab, Python, C++, and FORTRAN; proven ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations

Preferred skills include:

• Current active security clearance

• Any specific software/experiences that are NOT necessary to be offered the position, but can be learned: ability to learn new programming languages and tools, mathematical techniques and numerical implementations

Position can allow for hybrid on-site/work from home in the State College, PA area.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation. An active security clearance is highly desired. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply. Employment with ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).  We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

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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