Embedded Software Engineer

• 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 decisionmaking
• Develop and integrate autonomyrelated capabilities such as sensor fusion, perception, and embedded signalprocessing pipelines
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to integrate complete embedded software systems and support hardwareintheloop testing and benchlevel validation
• Prepare documentation, technical reports, and presentations
• Support occasional travel to remote test locations as part of a small engineering and research team

We 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., * Writing software for an embedded system

• Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded environments
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through previous success in collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environments
• Ability to clearly convey technical information in presentations, documentation, and design discussions

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet
• Microcontroller programming and lowlevel embedded development
• Linux experience
• Scripting with Python or MATLAB
• Autonomyrelated algorithms such as sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, state estimation, or embedded perception/tracking
• Autonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS 2, MOOSIvP, JAUSbased middleware)
• Realtime embedded systems or RTOS environments
• Hardwareintheloop (HIL) environments or labbased hardware integration
• Use of AI or LLMassisted workflows to improve software development efficiency, code quality, or documentation
• Agile development methods and toolsets such as Atlassian
• Unit testing frameworks
• Current 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 required

This position will be fully onsite 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 CERTIFICATIONS If 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: None

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.

The 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 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.