About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

You will join a research team working on RF propagation (ELF through millimeter‑wave) to design, implement, test, and document models and experiments that support applied research and engineering products. Typical responsibilities include:

• Use accepted methods to design, develop, validate, and apply RF propagation models that include environmental effects (space weather, meteorology, etc.).
• Develop and extend mathematical models and numerical methods for electromagnetic propagation and related environmental processes.
• Plan and conduct laboratory and field experiments, collect and process measurements, and analyze results to validate or refine models.
• Produce technical reports, white papers, and presentations for internal stakeholders, sponsors, and customers.
• Identify opportunities to improve modeling capability, propose follow‑on research, and contribute to technical proposals and grant development.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences; present results to senior professionals and funding agencies.

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Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for appointment at the typical entry/intermediate levels:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Mathematics, Physics, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to implement end‑to‑end scientific or technical solutions, including coding, testing, and documenting results.
• Fluency in scientific programming languages such as MATLAB and Python; working knowledge of C++ and FORTRAN is required.
• Strong background in applied mathematics and numerical methods used in RF propagation.
• Ability to write technical reports and present to senior audiences.
• U.S. citizenship is required (position requires eligibility for government security clearances).
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background checks and security clearances.

If filled at an intermediate step, 2+ years of relevant experience is expected; a professional level appointment may accept candidates with no prior experience beyond the degree.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Active government security clearance (preferred).
• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or closely related discipline.
• Experience with antenna and propagation measurement campaigns and field instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to author white papers, technical proposals, or funded research projects.
• Quick learner of new programming languages, tools, and numerical techniques.

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Work Location & Schedule

• Primary on‑site location: State College, PA.
• Hybrid (on‑site / work‑from‑home) arrangements may be possible but are not guaranteed — final work arrangement is determined by the hiring manager and sponsor requirements.
• Some field travel for experiments and measurements may be required.

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Background Checks, Security & Eligibility

Employment requires successful completion of background checks and compliance with federal contractor requirements. Employees must be eligible for government security clearances, participate in applicable drug‑testing programs, and comply with electronic and physical security controls. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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Salary & Benefits

• Salary range (all possible grades): $92,100.00 – $174,708.00 per year.
• Competitive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discount programs (details provided by the hiring organization).

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Why Apply (Quick Selling Points)

• Work on full-spectrum RF propagation (ELF to mmWave) with real-world applications.
• Opportunity to develop modeling capability, publish technical work, and support sponsored research.
• Training and mentorship from experienced researchers; opportunity to build a network with government and industry sponsors.

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How Candidates Are Evaluated

Candidates will be assessed on technical skills (propagation theory, numerical methods, programming), demonstrated ability to conduct and document experiments, communication skills, and eligibility for required security clearances. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.