Antenna Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University•Reston, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an experienced Research and Development Engineer for its Antennas, Computational Electromagnetics, and Propagation Department. The role focuses on developing RF sensor systems from ELF through millimeter wave and includes managing complex antenna and electromagnetic analyses, antenna design and construction, sensor system development, and contributions to customers’ strategic objectives. The position also involves mentoring staff and developing relationships to secure research funding. The engineer plans and directs large antenna development projects, including novel designs, computational electromagnetic evaluation, prototype development and testing, and antenna system design. They coordinate multidisciplinary research and development, define project scope and research problems, develop new concepts and approaches, and lead complex work affecting current products and future technologies. The position contributes to unit strategy, evaluates project feasibility and progress, leads proposal development and presentations, and supports research programs of national or international significance. The role maintains technical relationships with colleagues and research units, sponsors, customers, and professional networks; identifies future research opportunities and follow-on projects; and develops technical proposals and presentations to obtain funding. The engineer documents findings in reports and presentations, shares research through papers and symposia, and mentors assigned staff in technical, project, and business development skills. The position may be filled at the Senior, Advanced, or Intermediate Professional level, with experience requirements varying by level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
Relevant experience by appointment level: 14 or more years for Senior Professional; 5 or more years for Advanced Professional; or 2 or more years for Intermediate Professional.
Experience in antenna design, antenna and electromagnetic analysis tools, computational electromagnetics, and implementing new and established techniques and methods to solve specific problems.
Successful experience conducting antenna research and development within a team.
Ability to present effectively to large groups of senior-level professionals and convey information that drives action or decisions.
Successful experience developing technical proposals and writing white papers.
Fluency in multiple scientific programming languages and tools, such as MATLAB, Python, C++, HFSS, XFdtd, CST, and FORTRAN.
Ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical implementations.
Ability to lead project development using the listed programming languages and tools.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Current active security clearance.
Experience in antenna design, analysis, and prototype development.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct multiple large antenna development projects, including novel antenna design, computational electromagnetic evaluation, prototype development and testing, and antenna system design.
Supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers, and technicians on antenna development projects.
Coordinate multidisciplinary research and development activities involving antenna development, electromagnetic analysis, and prototype development.
Define project scope and select research and development problems; develop novel concepts and approaches.
Lead highly complex antenna design, electromagnetic analysis, and prototype development work addressing current product design and future technologies.
Maintain liaison with research colleagues and units within and outside the department, division, and office, and independently address technical matters related to antenna design, development, and electromagnetic analyses.
Propose and lead antenna design initiatives; guide programs of national or international significance; identify future problems, research trends, and opportunities.
Contribute to determining project feasibility and objectives and evaluate proposed or ongoing projects.
Direct or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
Present papers, lead symposia, chair committees, participate on advisory or policy boards and in journals and societies, review major technical programs, and network nationally and internationally.
Contribute to the unit’s strategic plan and supervise subordinate supervisors or team leaders.
Mentor assigned staff in technical, project, and business development skills.
Document data and findings in technical reports, documents, and oral or written presentations.
Develop innovative approaches to enhance antenna design capabilities and use peer networks to expand technical capabilities and identify research opportunities.
Maintain relationships with major external research sponsors, develop grant funding, identify follow-on research projects, initiate project concepts, develop technical proposals, and present to customers and grant sponsors for funding.