Electrical Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, PA

10d•$92,100 - $200,808•Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for a motivated Electrical Research and Development Engineer with experience in PLC programming, embedded programming, or both to join the Vehicle Investigation and Cybersecurity Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will support the design, development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, embedded electronics, and automation solutions for research, prototype, and operational systems. This position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work, working with hardware and software, solving real-world system problems, and supporting projects from concept through testing and field demonstration. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

Past success with control systems, embedded systems, automation systems, or related software/hardware integration
PLC programming, embedded programming, or both
Past success troubleshooting hardware and software issues in a lab or field environment and have a working knowledge of sensors, actuators, relays, motor controllers, communication interfaces, and electrical control systems
Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, schematics, and technical documentation with strong problem-solving skills
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Hands-on electrical and mechanical aptitude
Ability to move between software development, wiring, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation
Comfortable working in a fast-paced research and development environment
Ability to develop practical solutions for complex technical problems
A willingness to learn new tools, programming languages, hardware platforms, and control system architectures
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs, Studio 5000, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, or similar PLC platforms
HMI screens using FactoryTalk View, C-more, Ignition, or similar HMI/SCADA software.
Embedded programming using C, C++, Python, or similar languages
Microcontrollers, Linux-based embedded systems, NVIDIA Jetson platforms, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar hardware
CAN bus, J1939, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, serial communications, TCP/IP networking, or other industrial communication protocols
Data acquisition systems, instrumentation, robotics, autonomous systems, vehicle systems, marine systems, or industrial automation
Supporting prototype design, integration, test events, field demonstrations, or customer-facing technical reviews
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Responsibilities

Support the development and integration of control and embedded systems for a variety of engineering projects
Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for automated control systems
Design and support human-machine interface systems, operator screens, and control logic
Develop embedded software for microcontrollers, single-board computers, sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces
Integrate electrical, mechanical, and software components into complete working systems
Support system checkout, bench testing, lab testing, and field demonstrations
Read and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, interface control documents, and technical specifications
Troubleshoot control systems, embedded electronics, sensors, communication networks, and field wiring
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, project managers, and sponsors to develop practical technical solutions
Document software, control logic, test procedures, system configurations, and design changes
Support prototype development, system upgrades, and technology transition efforts
Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements
Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors
Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program status