Communications and Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer
Quick Summary
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,
- Develop, test, and evaluate advanced signal processing algorithms and communication techniques
- Model and simulate communication system physical layer (PHY) protocols and waveforms
- Prototype communication capabilities using software defined radios (SDRs) and open source tools
- Contribute to waveform, modulation, and algorithm design for challenging channel environments
- Perform system level analysis, theoretical evaluation, and performance assessments
- Document findings, prepare recommendations, and present results to sponsors
- Participate in field tests, demonstrations, and stakeholder engagements
- Collaborate with multi disciplinary teams across ARL and with government sponsors
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Leading technical tasks or project components
- →Conducting feasibility studies and shaping program direction
- →Providing technical mentorship to junior staff or students
- →Contributing to division level research strategies and initiatives
- Technical background in communications and signal processing (e.g., waveform design, detection/estimation, protocol development, or channel modeling)
- Simulation or analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary, team oriented environments
- Express technical ideas clearly through written and oral communication
- 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
Nice to Have
~1 min read- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related field
- SDR development, laboratory or field testing, or data analysis
- Programming experience in Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages
- Wireless, underwater, satellite, or optical communication systems
- Communications security, AI/ML for communications, or network protocol development
This position will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, Reston, VA or Annapolis Junction, MD, though options may exist for a hybrid on-site/work from home arrangement based on project needs. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
This role may require periodic CONUS and OCONUS travel to support field tests, demonstrations, or sponsor engagements.
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC).
For further information on ARL, visit: www.arl.psu.edu
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
What We Offer
~1 min read
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.
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.
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.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $140,004–$265,704 a year
- 198% above the $68,120 median for Other jobs on Jobera (125,697 salaries).
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 27, 2026
- Last seen
- October 27, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- October 27, 2026
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