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High-Power Microwave Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time
United States, Pennsylvania, Freeport
May 16, 2025
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, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a High-Power Microwave (HPM) Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of HPM, radio frequency (RF) and electronic warfare (EW) system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location and will be filled as either a Senior or Principal Research and Development Engineer.

You will:

  • Lead the development, integration, and evaluation of HPM/RF/EW systems and sensors
  • Perform engineering work related HPM/RF/EW systems across a broad application space
  • Serve as an HPM/RF/EW subject matter expert, providing critical analysis of technical data provided by vendors, insights into the effects of these systems, and making recommendations to the government
  • Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of HPM/RF/EW systems, sensors and manufacturing technology improvements
  • Provide recommendations on the emplacement of HPM/RF/EW systems to maximize lethality while limiting impact on equipment
  • Provide professional engineering advice, guidance, and assistance in various stages of research, development, and deployment
  • Formulate/estimate technical parameters that are not available currently
  • Support the preparation of risk assessment reports, safety assessment reports, and technical data packages and presentation materials
  • Provide project updates to sponsors, present research findings at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals
  • Interact and collaborate regularly with program management, program sponsors and stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL's position of trust and strategic mission
  • Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL
  • Plan, staff, and execute programs
  • Foster an environment of collaboration across the department, division, office, and ARL

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • All aspects of HPM/RF/EW system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them
  • Development of advanced technology systems
  • Conceptualizing, developing, testing and fielding solutions that employ a broad range of relevant technologies
  • Expert knowledge of existing and emerging warfighter needs in the area of HPM/RF/EW
  • Understanding of system engineering processes
  • Experience supporting DoD (Department of Defense) acquisition and/or sustainment programs
  • Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication
  • This role requires a strong commitment to excellence and the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplined team, including program management and technical/engineering personnel
  • Proven track record of managing technology projects

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Experience in HPM/RF/EW systems
  • Familiarity with the DOD Manufacturing Technology Program
  • Experience with a wide range of sensors (EO/IR, Radar, etc.)
  • Experience with non-kinetic effectors (Lasers, EW, etc.).
  • Significant application of HPM/RF/EW Manufacturing Technology Improvements in support of defense manufacturing and the industrial base
  • Proven track record of developing and sustaining new technology programs
  • Active government security clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

Your working location will be on-site, located in Freeport, PA. A hybrid work schedule may be possible.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

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 Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

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