Electrical R&D Engineer
First seen by Alion on Oct 14, 2026. Pennsylvania State University scores B on the Alion truth index.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent 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.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations.
We are searching for an Electrical Engineer to join our Deployables and Undersea Connectivity (DUC) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The mission of the DUC Department is to develop and mature technical methods and devices to connect platforms in the undersea domain, as well as, bridge to above the sea-air boundary, support tethered and untethered communication techniques between stationary or moving undersea platforms, and employ these capabilities to solve the most challenging undersea communications problems.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Design, build, operate, and maintain electrical, RF, fiber optic, and/or WiFi based circuits for integration in manned and unmanned underwater test vehicles or peripheral test facilities and equipment
- Work with a team of engineers and technicians to creatively evaluate and design solutions to complex technical problems
- Update, modernize, and maintain existing test and evaluation systems to ensure reliable operation
- Meet with sponsors, faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints
- Communicate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and project managers to provide progress reports
- Facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position may include:
- Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
- Plan and perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope; assemble research team members
- Manage multiple or large projects; plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project
- Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities; use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities
- Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Candidates should have experience with electronics and electrical testing and troubleshooting, digital and analog circuit design, schematic creation, PCB layout, microcontrollers, FPGA, embedded computing, firmware development and test systems
- Heavy emphasis on problem solving skills, identifying technical issues that can be addressed for long-term success. Ability to provide technical rigor and discipline to problem solving process
- Effective communication and teamwork skills demonstrated by conveying information and collaborating with others to drive decisions toward action
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
- Support field testing of vehicles and test platforms which could include travel to support test events.
- LabVIEW, Matlab, Solidworks, NX, Xilinx Vivado, Xilinx Vitis, Micropchip MPLAB, Git, CAN, Serial, UDP comms, SSH, SCPI and interfaces
- Ability to learn and work across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, logistics) in a small team environment of engineers, technicians, and US Navy personnel
- Very high attention to detail
- 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
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.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.SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.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.