Acoustic Modeling Support Engineer

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are searching for an Acoustics Modeling Support Engineer to join our Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL/Penn State's purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging problems in support of the Navy, Department of Defense, and Intelligence communities' engineering and technology needs. The successful candidate will join a group of scientists and engineers working on next-generation sonar systems for a range of underwater applications. Our group's research areas include synthetic aperture sonar image formation, acoustic navigation techniques, acoustic remote sensing, and sonar image classification.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Develop new and integrate existing underwater acoustic models
• Analyze and collect sonar data produced by cutting edge sensors, including time series, two- and three-dimensional acoustic images, and non-image-based representations
• Collaborate with experts in hardware development, physics-based modeling, signal and image processing, machine learning, and embedded software engineering to develop cross-disciplinary solutions
• Have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge sensors developed by this laboratory, by industry, and deployed in the Navy
• Be provided with unique research opportunities to customize the workflow from hardware design through perception to shape the information exploited in the perception stage

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

• Create and deploy high-performance computing
• Mentor and train employees and engage students in the advancement of technical, project, and business-development skills
• Contribute to proposals, reports, and presentations
• Be encouraged to create publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending upon your education and experience. Minimal requirements include a Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline, 2+ years related experience. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher levels.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Algorithm development
• Strong mathematics skill set
• Exposure to data science either through coursework, projects, or internships
• Contributions to the design, development, and implementation of acoustic propagation and/or scattering model experience
• Investigate and evaluate the practical applicability of acoustic models to benchmark solutions and/or collected sonar data
• Solid understanding of engineering practices and principles, along with the underlying knowledge of mathematics and physics
• Programming in Matlab or Python
• Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Significant exposure/knowledge of acoustics and signal processing
• Experience with C++ for parallel CPU or GPU programming using CUDA libraries
• Development of acoustic models for scattering and/or propagation
• Active government security clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists and to attend meetings as necessary.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus on naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: