Digital Engineering Transformation with AI and Digital Twins - Research Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey invites applications for a 9-month research fellowship in the Systems Engineering Department. The program focuses on digital engineering transformation, building executable architectures and experiment-ready digital twins to support DoD modernization.

Under a mentor, you will gain hands-on MBSE experience with tools like System Composer and MATLAB/Simulink, exploring AI-enabled autonomous systems, multi-UAS operations, and mobility-assisted networking to

Qualifications

• The candidate should have completed, or be pursuing, a master's or doctoral degree.
• Degree must be earned within 5 years of the start date (or anticipated by Nov 30, 2026).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on digital engineering transformation focused on high-fidelity architectures and digital twins.
• Gain hands-on MBSE experience and learn to use System Composer and related tools.

Education

Master's or Doctoral Degree

Job description

The Systems Engineering Department at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is offering a research fellowship.

What will I be doing?

The mission of the Systems Engineering Department is to deliver advanced, defense-relevant education and research programs that address the unique needs of the U.S. Navy, while enhancing the warfighting effectiveness of U.S. Naval Forces, the Department of Defense (DoD), and allied armed forces. In alignment with this mission, the DoD has designated digital engineering (DE) as a strategic imperative, fundamentally transforming how defense systems are designed, developed, delivered, operated, and sustained.

You will engage in a research fellowship focusing on a broad spectrum of challenges associated with digital engineering transformation. The overarching objective is to develop executable, high-fidelity system architectures and experiment-ready digital twins that accurately represent both systems and their operational missions, supporting the DoD’s modernization goals. The specific focus of this learning opportunity will be on AI enabled autonomous systems, multi-UAS operations, and mobility-assisted networking.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering tools, such as System Composer, and learn how to construct system and mission architectures. Additionally, you may learn how to integrate these architectures with third-party simulation environments to provide operational context, gaining familiarity with domain-specific modeling tools—such as MATLAB/Simulink, or data-driven AI/ML models—to achieve high levels of fidelity.

Where will I be located?

Monterey, California

What is the anticipated start date?

10/05/2026

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a 9-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by NPS. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

About Naval Postgraduate School

The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School provides relevant and advanced educational and research experience to commissioned officers of the Naval Service to increase their combat effectiveness and enhance the security of the United States. In support of this mission as well as to sustain academic excellence, NPS and the U.S. Department of the Navy (DoN) foster and encourage an academic program of relevant and meritorious naval research. NPS research supports the needs of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense while also building the intellectual capital of Naval Postgraduate School.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have completed, or currently be pursuing, a master's or doctoral degree in any of the disciplines listed in the opportunity’s Eligibility criteria.

Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date. If currently pursing, degree must be anticipated to be completed by November 30, 2026.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Stipend

$4,983.33 – $5,850.00 Monthly

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/30/2026 12:00:00 AM.