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Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist Jobs

... Science. This role is central to developing next-generation sensor processing to enable ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a high-performance, research-to-production culture ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

$121K - $231K/yr

... Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required ...

As a EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

As an EW Senior Signal Processing Engineer, you will be responsible for research, design, and development of signal collection, processing and dissemination systems . Duties may include de signing ...

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Senior ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist information

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$57K

$112.3K

$149.5K

How much do senior signal processing research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior signal processing research scientist in the United States is $112,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior signal processing research scientist do?

A Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist designs, develops, and implements advanced algorithms and techniques to process, analyze, and interpret signals such as audio, radar, image, or sensor data. They often work in interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems in areas like communications, defense, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence. These scientists lead research initiatives, publish findings, and may mentor junior researchers. Their work helps improve the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of signal processing systems used in various industries.

What is the difference between Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist vs Signal Processing Engineer?

AspectSenior Signal Processing Research ScientistSignal Processing Engineer
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academiaProduct development teams, engineering departments
Industry UsageResearch, innovation, algorithm developmentImplementation, testing, deployment of signal processing systems

The main difference is that Senior Signal Processing Research Scientists focus on developing new algorithms and conducting research, often in academic or R&D settings, while Signal Processing Engineers apply existing algorithms to develop and optimize products in engineering environments. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their focus and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior signal processing research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field, along with deep expertise in signal processing theory and algorithms. Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and experience with platforms like Simulink or specialized DSP hardware is essential, as are relevant publications and possibly patents. Strong analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you lead research projects and collaborate across interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, publishing impactful research, and successfully translating complex algorithms into real-world solutions.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior signal processing research scientists when developing new algorithms for real-world applications?

Senior Signal Processing Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as handling noisy or incomplete data, ensuring algorithms are computationally efficient for real-time processing, and adapting solutions to diverse hardware platforms. Collaborating closely with software engineers and domain experts is key to translating theoretical models into robust, deployable systems. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and integrating machine learning techniques into traditional signal processing workflows are also essential aspects of the role.
More about Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Signal Processing Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,254 per year, or $54 per hour.

Signal Processing Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • 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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for motivated and talented Signal Processing Research and Development Engineers to join our Sensor Analysis and Data Modeling (SADM) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy and the Department of Defense (DoD). SADM tackles multidisciplinary topics from signal processing to machine learning to software design with a focus on sonar systems. The goal of our group is to leverage all of the available acoustic physics to generate data products and tools that support our DoD customers and our national defense.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Aggregate Subject Matter Expertise - Work with a diverse group of experts, including engineers, scientists, and DoD personnel to understand problems from many perspectives
  • Develop prototype algorithms - Design, write, and validate algorithms for use in analyses and data product generation
  • Execute analyses - to include evaluation of algorithm performance, data quality, and the feasibility of novel approaches
  • Support field testing - to include remote or in person analysis and troubleshooting
  • Deliver/Transition results - Clearly communicate results to stakeholders, scientists, and/or software engineers both within the laboratory and external sponsors

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include:
  • Contributing to publications, white papers, technical memos, and/or study plans
  • Performing larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and leading small tasks

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Knowledge of computing languages or frameworks for scientific/engineering analysis such as C++, MATLAB, R, or Python
  • Creativity in problem solving
  • Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad array of information from a diversity of fields
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Experience with commercial GIS tools such as Google Earth or ArcGIS
  • Familiarity with GIS related concepts in mapping and data visualization
  • Knowledge of project and version control systems such as GIT and JIRA
  • Familiarity with undersea systems and sonar technology
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher. Candidate may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Signal Processing (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 web site 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 $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.
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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