Antenna Engineer

Penn State University•Reston, VA

4d•$127,080 - $277,200•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 position manages complex antenna and electromagnetic analyses, antenna design and construction, and sensor system development. Its primary research focus is developing RF sensor systems from ELF to millimeter wave. The work contributes to customer strategic objectives, mentors staff, and develops relationships to seek research funding. The role plans and directs large antenna development projects, including novel antenna designs, computational electromagnetics evaluation, prototype development and testing, and antenna system design. It coordinates work across disciplines, leads complex technical efforts, contributes to strategic planning, and develops new research initiatives and funding proposals. The position also supervises staff, mentors colleagues, documents findings, and presents technical work to customers and professional audiences. The position is based in Reston, Virginia, and may be hybrid on-site/work from home. Remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in ARL’s drug testing program, and comply with monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. Employment requires successful completion of background checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
Relevant experience varies by appointment level: 2+ years for Intermediate Professional, 5+ years for Advanced Professional, or 14+ years for Senior Professional.
Experience in antenna design, antenna and electromagnetic analysis tools, computational electromagnetics, and implementing established and new techniques 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 to drive action or decisions.
Successful experience developing technical proposals and writing whitepapers.
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 languages and tools.
U.S. citizenship.
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.
Successful completion of required background checks.

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 design, computational electromagnetics evaluation, prototype development and testing, and antenna system design.
Supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers, and technicians on antenna development projects.
Coordinate interdisciplinary research and development activities, define project scope, select problems for investigation, and develop novel concepts and approaches.
Lead extremely complex antenna design, electromagnetic analysis, and prototype development efforts.
Maintain liaison with research colleagues and units inside and outside the department, division, and office; act independently on technical matters related to antenna design, development, and electromagnetic analyses.
Propose and lead new antenna design initiatives; guide programs of national or international significance; and identify future problems, research trends, and opportunities.
Contribute to assessing the feasibility of goals and objectives and evaluate proposed or ongoing projects.
Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
Present papers, lead symposia, chair committees, participate on advisory and policy boards, journals, and societies, serve as a peer reviewer, and network nationally and internationally.
Participate in and contribute to the unit’s strategic plan.
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, expand technical capabilities through peer networks, and identify new research opportunities.
Contribute to broad strategic objectives and applications of antenna design, electromagnetic analysis, and prototype development; maintain sponsor relationships and develop grant funding.
Identify follow-on research and initiate new project concepts; develop technical proposals and present to customers or grant sponsors to obtain funding.