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• 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for a technically strong Communications and Signal Processing Engineer to join the C3I Integrated Communications Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our division develops advanced communications technologies that support mission-critical needs across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. In this role, you will support research, development, analysis, and prototyping of resilient communications and signal processing systems that directly contribute to national security and sponsor mission success. 

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• 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 multidisciplinary teams across ARL and with government sponsors

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:

• 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

Required Skills / Experience areas include:

• 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
• Ability to 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 subje