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Autonomy and Data Fusion Engineer

Pay
$115,860–173,844/yearAnnual period assumed — pay source
SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $173,844.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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Work setting
Working pattern needs review — work setting source
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. ​
Read the full posting
Employment
Full-time — employment source
Employment type in the employer’s posting: Full time
From the employer’s posting

Before you apply

Work authorization
US citizens onlyYou must be a US citizen to apply

What you’ll work on

Full posting
  • Design data fusion and estimation frameworks across heterogeneous sensor networks

  • Develop data architectures and pipelines for test and evaluation

  • Research and test collection methods using networked sensing assets

  • Document findings and recommend system modifications

  • Integrate machine learning algorithms with physics-based and mathematical models

From the employer’s posting
Design data fusion and estimation frameworks using heterogenous sensor network configurations
Develop data architectures and pipelines for test and evaluation
Research and test novel collection methods and strategies using multiple networked assets
document findings and recommend system modifications
integrate machine learning algorithms, and incorporate physics-based and mathematical models where appropriate for validation and verification
Education & alternatives
- An active government security clearance - Master’s degree Your work location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
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Posting record

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Open 5 monthsWe first saw this posting 177 days ago and it is still up. Roles open this long are often slow to fill or kept open to collect applications.

Status in our records
Live
First seen by us
May 10, 2026177 days ago
Recorded sightings
188
Last seen by us
Nov 4, 2026

These dates show when we found the posting. Check the employer’s website to confirm it is still accepting applications.

How this job compares

Pay

In line with similar jobs

$116K–$174K against $118K–$193K, the middle half of what similar US postings state.

From 3,721 postings in the last year. Stated ranges, not salaries paid.

Time since we first saw it

Day 177

Up longer than most. Similar jobs usually come down between day 7 and day 55.

From 9,990 similar postings that came down. Coming down is not always a hire.

Psu is hiring

19 open jobs

Open jobs by the week we first saw them, last 12 weeks.

  • Data Scientist hiring has slowed
  • Takes jobs down at a usual pace
  • 11% of open jobs were reposted
Hiring record

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  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • C++
Where the posting names them
- Experience in a field directly applicable or highly related to Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or Geospatial Sciences - Computer programming in one or more of the following: Python, C++, MATLAB, Java - Experience with spatio-temporal data fusion, applicable database architectures and machine learning applications

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About the role

We file this job under Data Scientist, by the work the posting describes.

Data scientists use statistics and models to answer harder questions, such as whether a change worked, what demand will look like next quarter, or which customers are likely to leave.

Postings usually ask for Python or R, SQL, statistics, experiment design and common machine learning methods.

Unlike an ML engineer, a data scientist's main output is often an analysis or a first model, not software running inside a product.

US government figures for data scientists

Median yearly pay, May 2025
$120,230
Expected change, 2025 to 2035
34.6% more jobsagainst 3.5% for all jobs

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and Employment Projections (2025 to 2035). Occupation code 15-2051.

Job description

View original posting ↗

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

​

 

 

POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for an  Autonomy and Data Fusion Engineer to join the Advanced Phenomenology Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.  As part of our Geospatial Image and Data Science Division, this highly collaborative team is comprised of adaptable, curious, creative, lateral thinkers with both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds and multidisciplinary points-of-view. 

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

You will:

  • Research and test novel collection methods and strategies using multiple networked assets, evaluate and optimize sensor deployment and autonomy in sea, ground, air and space environments
  • Assist our research efforts to develop novel sensing and estimation strategies that facilitate data-driven decision support. Utilizing state-of-the-art tools in machine perception, autonomy, and data fusion
  • Develop data architectures and pipelines for test and evaluation, document findings and recommend system modifications
  • Design data fusion and estimation frameworks using heterogenous sensor network configurations, while establishing uncertainty measures
  • Collaborate with geospatial imagery analysts and/or UxV operators to understand and automate workflows and improve human processes to advance the discovery and modeling of associations, trends, patterns and system dynamics
  • Collaborate with computer vision algorithm developers and data scientists to integrate machine learning algorithms, and incorporate physics-based and mathematical models where appropriate for validation and verification
  • Apply scientific methods and best practices across multiple disciplines to advance data and geospatial sciences and develop data analytics through systematic experimentation
  • Engage in research efforts ranging from proof-of-concept through integrated production

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Experience in a field directly applicable or highly related to Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or Geospatial Sciences
  • Computer programming in one or more of the following: Python, C++, MATLAB, Java
  • Experience with spatio-temporal data fusion, applicable database architectures and machine learning applications

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Experience working within DoD/IC Analysis or Operational environments
  • An active government security clearance
  • Master’s degree

Your work location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

 

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $173,844.00.

 

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant 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 LAW

Penn 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.

 

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Source details

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Pay
SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $173,844.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Location & working pattern

Penn State University Park

- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. ​
More source context
- Master’s degree Your work location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Work authorization
- Experience working within DoD/IC Analysis or Operational environments - An active government security clearance - Master’s degree
More source context
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS

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