Engineer - Vehicle Flight Control & Inertial Navigation Systems

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Dynamics and Controls Engineer to advance flight control systems for undersea vehicles. On-site in State College, you will develop models, algorithms, and software in MATLAB/Simulink, and analyze data from tests to drive innovations.

Responsibilities include requirements analysis, model validation, software development, and collaboration with sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science required.
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional.
• 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate Professional.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze flight control system requirements and design trade studies.
• Create and validate 6DoF dynamic models for undersea vehicles; perform Software-in-Loop simulations in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Design, tune, validate flight control algorithms and software.
• Develop, debug, test MATLAB/Simulink-based software and data analysis tools; document algorithms and software.
• Support lab and field test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Proactively seek professional development opportunities and share knowledge with the team.

Skills

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++

Networking

Serial communications

Education

Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science

Experience: 2+ years for intermediate pro

Experience: 5+ years for advanced pro

Experience: 14+ years for senior pro

Tools

Git

Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for a Dynamics and Controls Engineer to join our Vehicle Control and Dynamics Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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).

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze flight control system requirements, including system design trade studies.
• Create, validate, and maintain 6DoF dynamic system models for undersea vehicles, including Software-in-Loop simulations in Matlab/Simulink.
• Design, tune, and validate flight control algorithms and software.
• Design, analyze, and update Strapdown Inertial Navigation System algorithms, including modeling and analysis of navigation sensors.
• Develop, debug, and test Matlab/Simulink-based software and data analysis tools, including the creation of unit, integration, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop system tests for vehicle software and documentation of algorithms, specifications, software, and defects.
• Support lab and field test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Proactively seek professional development opportunities.
• Proactively share knowledge with team members.

Additional Responsibilities for Higher Level Positions

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems.
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approaches for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs.
• Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow operations through detailed steps or processes.
• Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions based on research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements, recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof.
• Initiate or contribute data, analysis, and design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations.

Required Skills/Experience

• Experience using Matlab, Simulink, C, or C++.
• Experience in network and serial communications.
• Experience in software configuration management systems (e.g., GIT).

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Active government security clearance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to present ideas, concepts, and instructions clearly, both internally to peers and management and externally to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to conform to development standards and requirements for each project.

Location

Your working 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

Research and Development Engineer – Aerospace (ARL) – Senior Professional
• Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

Research and Development Engineer – Aerospace (ARL) – Advanced Professional
• Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

Research and Development Engineer – Aerospace (ARL) – Intermediate Professional
• Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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 U‑Non‑Confidential, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 – $231,000.00.

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.

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.