via Workday
$77K - 164K a year
Research, design, develop, and test advanced wireless RF communication systems, including hardware/software integration and security protocols.
Requires experience in C/C++, SDR hardware/software, communication protocols, and RF principles, with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking motivated and talented engineers to join our Strategic Systems Operation 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: A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science 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 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. 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 to possess 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 Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.
This job posting was last updated on 2/18/2026