Sonar Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 30, 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. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for highly experienced Sonar Engineer to join our Sonar Research and Development Division (SRDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. SRDD is a highly integrated team of engineers, faculty, staff and students focused on the advanced development of SONAR systems for nearly every Navy application. The vertical integration from material development through sonar signal processing provides a unique place to conduct applied research and development to solve modern SONAR problems and transition new technology to the fleet. SRDD seeks a senior level individual to expand our team into the area of anti-submarine warfare signal processing and associated enabling sonar hardware. This individual will be responsible for developing, executing, and expanding research and development tasking in this area: This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Candidate will perform a mix of high-level project management and engineering work related to SONAR signal processing and associated SONAR hardware, providing expert level technical expertise specifically in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact in ASW signal processing and hardware that enables advanced signal processing Provide technical leadership across multiple simultaneous programs Is a recognized leader by government sponsors and the technical community, presents papers, leads symposia and chairs steering committees; participates on advisory/policy boards, serves as peer reviewer of major technical programs; networks nationally and internationally Candidate will propose and lead new SONAR signal processing and enabling SONAR hardware initiatives and guide programs of national and/or international significance Recognize and research emerging trends in ASW technology areas and prepare for changes, problems and opportunities Proactively recognize needs, anticipate outcomes and consequences of different approaches, and make necessary modifications to plans to achieve desired outcomes Implement strategies to ensure successful achievement of critical opportunities Direct and/or provide principal contributions to major proposal preparations, presentations, plans and executions related to ASW SONAR systems Candidate will coordinate research and development activities between various SONAR processing and hardware programs. Develop novel signal processing engineering concepts and approaches. Communicate a compelling vision that inspires and motivates others Required skills/experience areas include: Exceptional problem solving with strong collaboration, execution and delivery Ability to bring demonstrated planning with vision to team and projects Experienced in working alongside clients to identify the customer needs and vision Strong background and understanding of Undersea Technology, at-sea testing, and Autonomous Systems Clear understanding of necessary technologies, specifically in the ASW discipline Demonstrated background in Undersea Signal Processing DAWIA Level III STM and SE Active TS/SCI Clearance 20+ years sonar and undersea warfare experience Your working location will be hybrid on-site/work from home, project-dependent ability for hybrid work this position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ 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 $141,700.00 - $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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