New

Undersea Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 08, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for motivated and talented team members with science, technology, engineering, acoustics, or mathematics (STEM) based education and background to join the Undersea Systems Simulation (USS) Department of the Model-Based Engineering (MBE) Division in the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Design, setup, and execute transient, physics-based computer simulation studies to investigate a wide range of metrics associated with undersea engagements Perform modeling, simulation, and analyses of undersea systems for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications Analyze simulation study results and condense results into cohesive conclusions and actionable recommendations Perform system-level operability and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) based studies and analysis of results Analyze, design, and implement computational models (vehicle dynamics, sound propagation, signal processing, etc.) associated with undersea systems modeling and simulation Integrate and analyze vehicle software (operational code) including guidance and control, signal processing, and vehicle controller into larger digital simulations Utilize modeling and simulation (M&S) using physics-based software models and software in the loop (SWIL) simulations. No hardware and/or hardware-in-the-loop is involved with the position Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include: Working with more complex scenarios Performing more in-depth analyses Managing more concurrent tasking Required skills/experience areas include: A degree in an area of study related to Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Acoustics, or Computer Science Ability to understand complex and/or ill-defined systems, develop action plans to resolve questions about those systems, and deliver concrete findings and guidance from studies to stakeholders and customers Creativity in problem solving, including the ability to absorb a broad range of information Inquisitive, proactive, and interested in learning new tools, techniques, and problem domains Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills. Well-organized, independent, and ready to work Comfortable working in an environment where problems are often not initially well-defined Preferred skills/experience areas include: Modelling vehicle dynamics, signal processing, sound propagation, undersea acoustics, reverberation, sonar arrays, numerical analysis & methods, statistics, autonomy algorithms, and/or computational physics Programming for engineering applications and scientific applications (FORTRAN, C, C++, Ada, Matlab, Python, and/or Simulink, etc.) Willingness to concurrently work multiple projects (usually 2-3) Ability to work closely with small cadre of highly trained professionals to meet challenging design and program objectives 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 Your working location will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role may require periodic travel. 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 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 atwww.arl.psu.edu. 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. SALARY & BENEFITS 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. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines