About this role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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- ## 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 .
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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.
We are seeking an Engineering Technologist to support research and development activities within our electrical/electronics engineering discipline in the Electrical and Mechanical Solutions Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will apply engineering principles and practices to help develop new concepts, products, and processes for complex electromechanical systems. This position is ideal for a recent graduate with hands-on experience in circuit design, embedded systems, and hardware testing who is eager to grow within a structured engineering team.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Collaborate with project leadership and senior engineering staff on the conceptual design of complex electromechanical systems and subsystems
- Support engineering staff and senior technologists in developing and defining requirements for engineering product designs
- Perform design, development, fabrication, installation, and testing of custom electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems
- Utilize computer-aided design (CAD/EDA) software to develop electrical, mechanical, and/or software products
- Prepare test plans, procedures, reports, and other formal documentation
- Conduct tests on electrical, mechanical, or software subsystems; document results and recommend modifications
- Assist in developing specialized electrical, mechanical, and/or software tools to support testing of complex systems
- Research and evaluate new engineering products and tooling to support project development
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the organization throughout all phases of project development
- Maintain and build knowledge of design/analysis tools, test and measurement equipment, languages, and industry products relevant to the discipline
Required Skills/Experience Areas Include:
- Proficiency in C/C++ ; familiarity with Python for scripting/automation
- Coursework or project experience with VHDL and FPGA development tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado/Vitis)
- Basic understanding of schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Cadence Capture, Allegro PCB)
- Familiarity with circuit simulation software ( PSpice, LTSpice , or similar)
- Exposure to lab/test equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter, function generator, network/impedance analyzers) through coursework or lab work
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment under direct supervision
Preferred Skills/Experience Areas Include:
- Academic or capstone/senior design projects demonstrating electromechanical or embedded systems design
- Familiarity with MATLAB for data analysis or signal processing
- Exposure to RF/microwave systems , antennas, or signal processing concepts
- Involvement in relevant student organizations (e.g., IEEE, robotics club)
- Academic honors (e.g., Dean's List, honor societies)
- Any internship, co-op, lab assistant, or toolroom experience supporting engineering projects
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required
Required Certifications:
None
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ARL’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.
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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 $68,604.00 - $102,900.00.
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.
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