Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

9d•$121,704 - $231,000•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join the Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department. SADM works across signal processing, machine learning, and software design, with a focus on sonar systems. The department uses acoustic physics and available data to develop data products and tools that support military sponsors and national defense. In this role, you will work with senior subject matter experts to develop, analyze, and transition sonar and array signal processing algorithms. You will apply your technical expertise while expanding your knowledge of undersea acoustics. The position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, and requires periodic travel to remote locations. Higher-level responsibilities may include independently managing moderately complex assignments, leading defined technical tasks, developing and presenting new approaches, guiding and reviewing junior engineers’ work, monitoring task budgets and funding, and contributing technical material to proposals and publications. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and encourages transitioning service members to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment also requires participation in ARL’s drug testing program and compliance with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. Employees work in a secure environment that may include Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information, and Classified information.

Requirements

Past success working in sonar signal processing or phased array signal processing in another field, such as radar, RF, seismic, or ultrasound.
A solid foundation in statistical signal processing, including spectral analysis, filtering, and detection and estimation theory.
Experience with MATLAB, Python, or C++.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Strong written, oral, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills.
For the Senior Professional level: a bachelor's degree in engineering or science and 14 or more years of relevant experience.
For the Advanced Professional level: a bachelor's degree in engineering or science and 5 or more years of relevant experience.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a government security clearance.
Ability to participate in ARL’s drug testing program and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in a relevant field.
Experience with phased array processing techniques, such as beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation.
Experience analyzing at-sea data.
Knowledge of underwater acoustics, sound propagation, and environmental effects on sonar performance.
Technical publications, reports, or conference presentations.
Experience with version control and project-tracking tools such as Git and Jira.
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and validate active and passive sonar and array signal processing algorithms, including beamforming and direction-of-arrival estimation.
Work with senior engineers, scientists, and military personnel to define problems, refine approaches, and integrate multidisciplinary expertise.
Investigate and evaluate new techniques for difficult or novel signal processing problems.
Evaluate algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of new approaches using at-sea and simulated data.
Help plan data collections and provide in-person analysis and troubleshooting during field testing.
Communicate findings to stakeholders, scientists, and software engineers within ARL and to external sponsors.
Help write technical memos, reports, white papers, and study plans.
For higher-level positions: work independently on moderately complex assignments, review progress, and evaluate results.
For higher-level positions: lead defined tasks or technical areas within larger projects.
For higher-level positions: develop new techniques and analysis approaches and present results to sponsors.
For higher-level positions: train and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and review their work.
For higher-level positions: monitor and track task budgets and funding.
For higher-level positions: contribute technical content to proposals and publications.