Embedded Software Engineer

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POSITION SPECIFICSWe are searching for a motivated and technically strong Embedded Software Engineer to join our Embedded Software Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position supports the development of advanced autonomous undersea systems and contributes directly to national defense research initiatives.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Design, implement, integrate, and test embedded software supporting autonomous vehicle guidance and control, including sensor monitoring, actuator and motor control, and algorithms for signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and decision‑makingDevelop and integrate autonomy‑related capabilities such as sensor fusion, perception, and embedded signal‑processing pipelinesCollaborate within a multidisciplinary team to integrate complete embedded software systems and support hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing and bench‑level validationPrepare documentation, technical reports, and presentationsSupport occasional travel to remote test locations as part of a small engineering and research teamRequired skills/experience areas include:Writing software for an embedded systemProficiency in C or C++ for embedded environmentsEffective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through previous success in collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environmentsAbility to clearly convey technical information in presentations, documentation, and design discussionsPreferred skills/experience areas include:Embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and EthernetMicrocontroller programming and low‑level embedded developmentLinux experienceScripting with Python or MATLABAutonomy‑related algorithms such as sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, state estimation, or embedded perception/trackingAutonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS 2, MOOS‑IvP, JAUS‑based middleware)Real‑time embedded systems or RTOS environmentsHardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) environments or lab‑based hardware integrationUse of AI‑ or LLM‑assisted workflows to improve software development efficiency, code quality, or documentationAgile development methods and toolsets such as AtlassianUnit testing frameworksCurrent eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if requiredThis position will be fully on‑site in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required CertificationsIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates to possess 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 & BenefitsThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $129,500.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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 STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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.Federal Contractors Labor Law PosterPA State Labor Law PosterPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlines