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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Position Overview

Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level RF Research and Development Engineer to join its Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) team working on antennas, computational electromagnetics, and RF propagation. The role focuses on RF propagation research across frequencies from ELF to millimeter wave and involves modeling, experimental measurements, technical reporting, and collaboration with sponsors.

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What You’ll Do

• Use accepted methods to design, develop, implement, and validate RF propagation models that include environmental effects (space weather, meteorology).
• Analyze the effectiveness of systems and subsystems using RF propagation models.
• Develop novel mathematical and numerical techniques for electromagnetic propagation and environmental coupling.
• Plan and conduct laboratory and field experiments: take measurements, collect and process data, and refine models based on results.
• Document findings in technical reports, white papers, and presentations for technical and sponsor audiences.
• Identify opportunities to extend or diversify modeling capabilities and propose follow-on research.
• Contribute to technical proposals and support relationship-building with external research sponsors.
• Present research outcomes to senior stakeholders and scientific audiences.

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Required Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in RF propagation mathematics and numerical implementation.
• Proven ability to document research in technical reports and white papers.
• Experience implementing scientific/technical solutions with some level of independent execution and mentor guidance.
• Demonstrated end-to-end design, implementation, and testing of technical solutions.
• Comfortable presenting technical material to senior technical audiences.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (candidate must be fluent in multiple languages such as Matlab, Python, C++, and FORTRAN).
• Ability to read and understand complex applied mathematics and numerical algorithms.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance (preferred).
• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new programming languages, mathematical techniques, and numerical methods quickly.

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Location & Work Arrangement

• The role supports hybrid work where approved. The on-site work location is State College, PA; the job listing may show a different locality for posting purposes (e.g., University Park, FL). Candidates should confirm the primary work location and remote-work eligibility with the hiring manager during the interview process.
• Note: Approval for remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed and may be subject to program and sponsor requirements.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance where required.

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Background Checks & Security Requirements

• Employment requires successful completion of background checks and, where applicable, eligibility for government security clearances.
• The role operates in environments that may involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified information; personal electronic devices may be restricted in certain areas.
• Candidates should be prepared to participate in drug testing and electronic/physical monitoring policies applicable to federal-contractor work.

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Salary & Benefits

• Salary range (all possible grades): $92,100.00 – $174,708.00 per year.
• Confidential Client provides full-time benefits that typically include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance programs. Exact benefits and eligibility depend on hiring classification and employment policies.

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Minimum Education, Experience & Certifications

If hired at an Intermediate Professional level:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science plus 2+ years of relevant experience.

If hired at a Professional level:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science; no prior relevant experience required.

No specific certifications are required for the posted vacancy, though certain projects may require clearance eligibility.

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Other Notes

• Confidential Client is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military service members.
• This role supports research in service to government sponsors (e.g., Navy, Intel Community, other federal customers) and expects technical rigor, strong documentation, and collaboration skills.
• Applicants should verify location, classification, and other role-specific details during the interview 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.